Sen. Blackburn targets birth tourism, ‘buying American citizenship’ in support of Trump’s immigration agenda
Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., introduced new legislation Tuesday aimed at dismantling the multimillion-dollar birth tourism industry that allows foreign nationals to use America’s immigration system to secure automatic citizenship for their children. The Ban Birth Tourism Act, introduced in the U.S. Senate, would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to declare inadmissible any foreign national seeking a tourist visa for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States. Those births automatically trigger U.S. citizenship for the child, a long-criticized loophole that opens the door to future family-sponsored migration. SENATE REPUBLICANS INTRODUCE BILL TO REFORM BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP, FOLLOWING TRUMP’S CONTROVERSIAL ORDER Blackburn’s bill, which was read twice and referred to committee, includes a provision to protect legitimate medical travelers. If the primary reason for entry is medical treatment rather than citizenship acquisition, those cases would not be blocked. “For too long, foreign nationals have been exploiting our nation’s immigration laws, taking advantage of the system to come to the United States solely to give birth and obtain citizenship for their children,” Blackburn said in a press release. “The Ban Birth Tourism Act would prevent foreign nationals, including those from adversaries like Communist China and Russia, from buying American citizenship for their children. As President Trump works to end birthright citizenship, we need to get this bill to his desk.” The push comes as the Trump administration intensifies its focus on restoring immigration integrity in the president’s second term. During his first term, President Trump repeatedly vowed to end automatic citizenship for the children of illegal immigrants and tourists. CALIFORNIA MAN SENTENCED FOR ‘BIRTH TOURISM’ SCHEME FOR AFFLUENT CHINESE WOMEN In 2020, the State Department under his administration began denying visas to suspected birth tourists, a move hailed by immigration enforcement advocates. Birth tourism is far from a fringe phenomenon. According to conservative immigration policy analysts, the industry accounts for at least 33,000 births annually to women on temporary visas. These children, upon turning 21, can legally sponsor their parents for green cards, offering a backdoor into the U.S. immigration system. A 2015 report by the Center for Immigration Studies estimated the practice generates millions of dollars for companies that specialize in bringing pregnant foreigners, primarily from Russia and China, to the U.S. These firms often charge tens of thousands of dollars for packages that include visa coaching, hospital stays, and luxury accommodations. In one of the largest federal crackdowns to date, the former Trump administration’s Department of Justice in 2019 charged nearly 20 individuals in Southern California for operating extensive birth tourism networks targeting Chinese nationals. Prosecutors accused the businesses of coaching clients to lie to immigration officials about the purpose of their travel, a tactic common among such operations. Blackburn’s bill would codify into law the inadmissibility of any traveler seeking to exploit this loophole, ensuring that birthright citizenship cannot be used as a ticket to game the system. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The Office of Senator Marsha Blackburn referred Fox News Digital to a Tuesday press release.
WATCH: Democrat lawmaker charged with assaulting federal agents laughs off fundraising questions
Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., refused to answer Fox News’ questions over whether her motivations for storming a federal immigration detention center earlier this month was to increase her public image, after it was uncovered McIver had been fundraising off the incident that has led to federal charges for the New Jersey Democrat. The Department of Justice publicly outlined federal charges against McIver on Tuesday, accusing her of allegedly “assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement” earlier this month at a Newark-area immigrant detention facility known as Delaney Hall. McIver was there with two other members of Congress to conduct what they claimed were their congressionally mandated oversight duties, as well as the Mayor of Newark, New Jersey, Ras Baraka, who was subsequently arrested following the incident but later had his charges dropped. “Congresswoman, would you be able to tell us what made you decide to fundraise off the incident, the charges?” McIver was asked. DEM LAWMAKER FUNDRAISES OFF FEDERAL ASSAULT CHARGES AFTER ICE FACILITY CONFRONTATION: ‘DOING MY JOB’ “No comment,” McIver said as she laughed off the reporter asking the question. “Have a wonderful day.” “How do you respond to people who might think that’s why you went to the ICE facility? That you wanted to fundraise off of it?” But the follow-up question went unanswered as the congresswoman repeatedly ignored the reporter’s questions and instead focused her attention on a discussion with her staff that were accompanying McIver at the time. “Any comment, congresswoman, on the fundraising? Anything you could have done different to avoid the charges?” DOJ CITES BODYCAM FOOTAGE IN CHARGING DOCUMENT FOR HOUSE DEM MCIVER On Tuesday, Fox News Digital uncovered McIver was fundraising off her charges shortly after they came down from the Justice Department. Investigators accused McIver of assaulting two federal agents at Delaney Hall, according to the charging documents. Law enforcement says McIver assaulted the agents when she “slammed her forearm into the body of a uniformed” immigration official while trying to “restrain the agent by forcibly grabbing him.” McIver also allegedly tried to block agents from arresting Baraka and, after he was put in handcuffs, allegedly “pushed an ICE officer and used her forearms to forcibly strike the agent.” “As you know, Trump is using his Department of Justice to target political opponents. Less than two weeks ago, I was doing my job and conducting oversight at an ICE facility in my city,” a fundraising text obtained by Fox News Digital stated. “Now, the Trump admin has filed charges against me. This is a first-and it’s a flashing red light for our democracy,” it continues. “I’m sounding the alarm and asking you to donate now so we can fight these charges and keep speaking truth to power.”
TribCast: Higher education and the battle for Texas universities
The gang talks about the Texas Legislature’s efforts to rein in universities, and all the changes at the top.
Texas Legislature moves to build Texas Life Memorial on Capitol grounds
Approval of the monument comes as the lower chamber prepares to debate the “Life of the Mother Act” bill later this week.
EU to sustain Radio Free Europe with emergency funding after Trump cuts
Outlet is one of several media services whose funding was cut by the Trump administration amid an aggressive downsizing effort. The European Union plans to step in to help save longtime media outlet Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) after United States President Donald Trump’s administration abruptly stopped funding it. The bloc’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, told reporters after a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Tuesday that 5.5 million euros ($6.2m) will be provided to “support the vital work of Radio Free Europe”. “It’s short-term emergency funding designed as a safety net for the independent journalism,” she added. Trump suspended all funding for RFE/RL in March along with other US broadcasters, including Voice of America, to slash government spending. Critics of the administration said the cuts are also politically motivated and part of a push to control and curb news media that do not hew to its outlook. Trump earlier this month signed an executive order slashing federal subsidies to two US public broadcasters, PBS and NPR , accusing them of biased reporting and spreading “left-wing” propaganda. Advertisement Lawyers for RFE/RL, which has been operating for 75 years, secured an order last month from a US federal judge for the Trump administration to restore $12m that was appropriated by Congress. The money has not been sent so far as lawyers said the service will have to shut down in June without the funding. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty headquarters in Prague, Czech Republic [File: David W Cerny/Reuters] Kallas said on Tuesday that the EU funding would not cover the work of the outlet across the globe but would focus on interests closer to the agenda of the bloc. “So our focus should be really to help Radio Free Europe to work and function in those countries that are in our neighbourhood and that are very much dependent on news coming from outside,” she said. The EU’s top diplomat said she hoped the 27 EU member countries would also provide more funds to help Radio Free Europe longer term. Kallas said the bloc has been looking for “strategic areas” where it can help as Washington cuts life-saving foreign aid. The outlet’s corporate headquarters are in Washington, DC, and its journalistic headquarters are based in the Czech Republic. The service has aired programmes in 27 languages in 23 countries across Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East and has more than 1,700 staff. The outlet has been heavily criticised and banned by Russia for its coverage of the war in Ukraine. Radio Free Europe began broadcasting in 1950 in the early years of the Cold War to several Eastern European nations that had become Soviet Union satellites. Radio Liberty began broadcasting to Russia a few years later. Both were initially funded by the US Congress through the Central Intelligence Agency. Adblock test (Why?)
Uganda confirms military trials for civilians despite Supreme Court ruling
President Yoweri Museveni’s government has frequently defended military trials, citing national security concerns. Uganda’s parliament has passed a controversial bill authorising military tribunals for civilians, drawing condemnation from opposition figures and rights groups, who accuse the government of trying to silence opponents, which it denies. The practice has long been used in Uganda, but was struck down by the country’s top court in January. The Supreme Court had ruled that the military tribunals lacked legal competence to try civilians and failed to meet fair trial standards. Despite that ruling, lawmakers moved ahead Tuesday with the legislation, which permits civilians to be tried in military courts. “Today, you proved you are fearless patriots! Uganda will remember your courage and commitment,” said General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, head of the military and son of President Yoweri Museveni, in a post on X. Earlier this month, Kainerugaba said that he was holding a missing opposition activist in his basement and threatened violence against him, after the man’s party said he was abducted. Museveni’s government has frequently defended military trials as necessary for national security amid concerns about armed opposition and alleged threats to state stability. Advertisement Military spokesperson Chris Magezi said the legislation would “deal decisively with armed violent criminals, deter the formation of militant political groups that seek to subvert democratic processes, and ensure national security is bound on a firm foundational base”. But critics say the move is part of a broader pattern of repression. “There’s no legal basis to provide for the trial of civilians in the military court,” opposition MP Jonathan Odur told parliament during debate on the bill. He described the legislation as “shallow, unreasonable and unconstitutional”. Uganda has for years used military courts to prosecute opposition politicians and government critics. In 2018, pop star-turned-opposition-leader Bobi Wine was charged in a military court with illegal possession of firearms. The charges were later dropped. Kizza Besigye, a veteran opposition figure who has challenged Museveni in multiple elections, was arrested in Kenya last year and returned to Uganda to face a military tribunal. Following the Supreme Court’s January ruling, his trial was moved to a civilian court. His party, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), has denounced the charges as politically motivated. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has previously criticised Uganda’s military courts for failing to meet international standards of judicial independence and fairness. Oryem Nyeko, senior Africa researcher at HRW, said earlier this year: “The Ugandan authorities have for years misused military courts to crack down on opponents and critics”. Advertisement Adblock test (Why?)
Why is Donald Trump fixated on South Africa?
How did the US right become fixated on a debunked conspiracy theory of ‘white genocide’ in South Africa? The administration of US President Donald Trump has granted refugee status to 49 white Afrikaners, echoing a debunked conspiracy theory about “white genocide” in South Africa. The move comes after Trump cut aid to the nation and threatened to boycott meetings with its government. What’s behind Trump’s fixation on South Africa? Adblock test (Why?)
Trump, Hegseth announce ‘Golden Dome,’ a ‘game changer’ to protect American homeland
President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the U.S. will soon begin construction of a “Golden Dome” missile defense system they say will be a next-generation “game changer” protecting the American homeland from outside adversaries. A similar system, the Iron Dome, has already been developed in Israel with U.S. assistance and has proven effective in repelling missile attacks. Now. Trump says a bigger, more technologically advanced, multi-layered dome system will soon be installed in America. The president announced the “one big beautiful” budget bill being discussed in Congress will include $25 billion in initial funding for the project, which he expects will cost $175 billion overall. He said he expects a major phase of the dome will be complete in under three years and that it will be “fully operational before the end of my term.” He noted there is significant support for the project in Congress, quipping, “It’s amazing how easy this one is to fund.” HEGSETH REVEALS PLANS TO COUNTER CHINA, STAY AHEAD IN ARMS RACE AS PENTAGON PIVOTS TO INDO-PACIFIC “In the campaign, I promised the American people that I would build a cutting-edge missile defense shield to protect our homeland from the threat of foreign missile attack. And that’s what we’re doing today,” he said, adding that the Golden Dome “will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from the other side of the world and even if they are launched from space.” Trump also announced he is placing Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein in charge of the project, saying, “No one is more qualified for this job.” Hegseth called the Golden Dome a “bold initiative” and another addition to Trump’s “long and growing list of promises made and promises kept.” He said investing in the new system is essential to respond to growing threats from countries like Russia and China. “Ultimately, this right here, the Golden Dome for America, is a game changer,” said Hegseth. “It’s a generational investment in the security of America and Americans.” TRUMP’S TOUGH POLICIES PUSH UK, EU TO SIGNIFICANTLY EXPAND TRADE AND DEFENSE Addressing Trump, Hegseth said, “Mr. President, you said we’re going to secure our southern border and get 100% operational control after the previous administration allowed an invasion of people into our country. President Reagan 40 years ago cast the vision for it. The technology wasn’t there. Now it is, and you’re following through to say we will protect the homeland from cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, drones, whether they’re conventional or nuclear.” Guetlein indicated the Golden Dome is necessary to preserve the safety, security and the quality of life Americans are used to. “We owe it to our children and our children’s children to protect them and afford them a quality of life that we have all grown up enjoying. Golden dome will afford that,” said Guetlein. MARCO RUBIO: WE SHOULD BE HAPPY WE HAVE A PRESIDENT WHO SEEKS PEACE The general said “our adversaries have become very capable and very intent on holding the homeland at risk.” “While we have been focused on keeping the peace overseas, our adversaries have been quickly modernizing their nuclear forces, building up ballistic missiles capable of hosting multiple warheads, building out hypersonic missiles capable of attacking the United States within an hour and traveling at 6,000 miles an hour, building cruise missiles that can navigate around our radar and our defenses, building submarines that can sneak up on our shores and, worse yet, building space weapons,” Guetlein said. “It is time that we change that equation and start doubling down on the protection of the homeland.”
Senate GOP vows vote to end Biden EPA waiver granted to push drivers to EV cars
Senate Republicans indicated that they intend to vote this week on whether to nix California’s emissions waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which has allowed the blue state to adopt stricter vehicle emissions standards than those imposed at the federal level, including a mandate that all vehicles sold in the state must be electric by 2035. The planned vote sets up a battle between Republicans and Democrats over whether the waiver is a government “rule” subject to the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to get rid of regulations with just a simple majority, as opposed to the typical 60-votes required to pass a bill. Democrats have described the GOP maneuvering as a “nuclear option” aimed at upending formal Senate rules. “The administration says it’s a rule. The GAO has said it’s not. The United States Senate is going to be heard from on this issue tomorrow and do something that will avoid, again, what I think and what a lot of people across this country think, would be a catastrophic outcome – and that is an EV mandate that would be imposed, across the United States,” Senate Majority Leader Thune said during a press conference from the Capitol on Tuesday afternoon. 35 DEMOCRATS VOTE WITH GOP TO BLOCK BIDEN RULE ALLOWING NEWSOM’S GAS CAR BAN The waiver, which gives California officials latitude to make their vehicle emissions standards stricter than those at the federal level, also allows other states to choose whether they want to follow federal standards or California’s stricter ones. “Obviously, the Democrats are going to make a lot of noise,” Thune added during the Tuesday afternoon press conference, referring to the party’s criticism of Republicans’ procedural maneuvering. “But the truth of the matter is, this has nothing to do with the legislative filibuster,” Thune continued. “This is the Congress and the United States Senate submitting to the body the question of whether or not the Government Accountability Office, the GAO, ought to be able to determine for us what it is and isn’t a rule.” ‘FLOOD THE SYSTEM’: US ATTORNEY UNLEASHES NEW TASK FORCE TO CRACK DOWN ON BLUE STATE’S SANCTUARY POLICIES Elizabeth MacDonough, the Senate parliamentarian who interprets and advises on the congressional rules officials must follow, agreed with the Government Accountability Office’s determination that California’s EPA waiver is not considered a “rule.” The discrepancy has led Democrats to claim Republicans are attempting to upend the Senate filibuster, an important tool for the minority party to gain leverage in the legislative process. However, during Tuesday’s short press conference, Thune slammed Democrats for complaining about the GOP’s maneuvering around the filibuster, pointing out they have tried to knock it down themselves in the past when convenient for their party’s priorities. “The only people that have attempted to get rid of a legislative filibuster, the Democrats, every single one of them up there that’s popping off and spouting off, has voted, voted literally to get rid of the legislative filibuster,” Thune said in response to a reporter’s question about Democrats’ criticism. “This is a novel and narrow issue that deals with the Government Accountability Office and whether, or not, they ought to be able to determine what is a rule and what isn’t, or whether the administration and the Congress ought to be able to make that decision.”
US awaits Putin ceasefire proposal after Trump phone call, Rubio says
The U.S. is awaiting a proposal from Russian President Vladimir Putin that may lead to a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, Secretary Marco Rubio announced Tuesday. “He says he’s going, they’re going to submit a proposal that would lead to a ceasefire, that would then lead to a broader negotiation,” Rubio told lawmakers during a Senate appropriations subcommittee hearing. “I think we will know from the context of that proposal where their mindset is and where they stand.” Asked if he believed Russia was ready to cut a deal, the secretary and interim national security advisor said, “I think Putin will always cut a deal he thinks is in the best interest for the country, for Russia and for his view of the world.” PRESIDENT TRUMP CONFIDENT PUTIN WANTS PEACE WITH UKRAINE, THINKS HE’S ‘HAD ENOUGH’ OF WAR President Donald Trump and Putin spoke by phone for two hours Monday, though the discussion did not yield an immediate breakthrough. Trump told reporters he believes Putin wants peace and said he trusts him. “I think he’s had enough. I think he’s had enough. It’s been a long time. This has been going on for more than three years. When you think, it’s been going on for a long time,” Trump said. Asked whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was doing enough to move the peace process along, Trump said, “I’d rather tell you in about two weeks from now, because I can’t say yes or no.” “Look, he’s a strong person, Zelenskyy, a strong guy, and he’s not the easiest person to deal with,” said Trump. “But I think that he wants to stop, and it’s a very bad thing that’s happening over there. I think he wants to stop. But I could answer that question better in two weeks or four weeks from now. I hope the answer is that he wants to get it solved.” TRUMP SAYS PUTIN IS ‘TIRED’ OF RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR The European Union on Tuesday passed a set of new sanctions against Russia, and Republicans on Capitol Hill have said they are waiting for the go-ahead from the White House to pass a new sanctions package. Trump said Monday he was not yet ready to impose new sanctions but could in the future. “I think there’s a chance of getting something done,” Trump said. “And if you do that, you can also make it much worse. But there could be a time when that’s going to happen.” He also said Moscow and Kyiv would continue direct peace negotiations, adding the Vatican was ready to host peace talks.