The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the suspension of a visa-free travel program for Chinese nationals to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Under the Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP), Chinese nationals could enter the islands for up to 14 days without a visa or consular interview. DHS said the program created vulnerabilities related to what it characterized as birth tourism and national security concerns.
Effective immediately, DHS will no longer accept new applications under the program and will cancel existing travel authorizations. Chinese nationals planning to visit the islands must now apply for a B-1 or B-2 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate before traveling, according to DHS.
"Protecting American soil means knowing who is coming into our country...American citizenship is not a travel perk," DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said.
DHS is reviewing the program with the Departments of State and Interior and addressing what it described as current national security concerns, the agency said.