Birthright Citizenship: Doctor Pleads Fifth in Birth Tourism Hearing
Summary
A South Florida doctor, Wladimir Lorentz, refused to answer questions under the Fifth Amendment during a House hearing about birth tourism, a practice where foreign nationals come to the U.S. to give birth. Lawmakers are investigating how this industry operates and its effects on U.S. immigration and healthcare systems.Key Facts
- Dr. Wladimir Lorentz, founder of Miami Medical Concierge Services, was subpoenaed to testify about birth tourism but declined to answer questions citing a federal investigation.
- Birth tourism involves foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. to give birth so their children automatically gain U.S. citizenship.
- The company advertised "over 2,000 deliveries of international patients" and provided detailed guides for foreign clients on how to arrange births in the U.S.
- Experts estimate about 20,000 to 26,000 birth tourists come to the U.S. each year, with 200,000 to 300,000 children born to foreign nationals in the last decade.
- Birth tourism raises concerns about fraud, the financial impact on hospitals and taxpayers, and national security risks.
- Children born to birth tourists have full citizenship, allowing them to sponsor their parents for visas later.
- Emergency medical care for these births is often covered by Medicaid or charity programs, which can lead to high costs for healthcare systems.
- The issue is part of a larger effort by some lawmakers to review and possibly restrict birthright citizenship policies.
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