The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on October 27 the immediate suspension of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP), effective October 30 at 2 p.m. Eastern Time.
The program had allowed prescreened Chinese nationals to visit the CNMI for up to 14 days without a visa for business or tourism. The suspension applies to new applicants and existing travelers with active authorizations, though those already in the CNMI may complete their authorized stay. Future visits will require a nonimmigrant visa unless another exception applies.
DHS cited “good cause” for the suspension, including concerns over national security, law enforcement, and immigration enforcement. The department stated it would conduct a review in consultation with the U.S. State Department and Interior Department, though no completion date for the review was provided.
Senate Republicans, including Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), had urged the DHS to end the program in an April 22 letter, arguing it facilitated birth tourism—a practice where foreign nationals travel to the U.S. to give birth so their children obtain U.S. citizenship. The senators described the CNMI as a “loophole” and called for its termination.
Program Background and Scope
The EVS-TAP program was established in 2024 under the Biden administration and permitted Chinese nationals to enter the CNMI—a U.S. territory in the western Pacific—without a visa. Travelers were restricted to the CNMI and prohibited from visiting Guam, the U.S. mainland, or other territories.
According to DHS, the program was designed to support economic vitality in the CNMI, where Chinese visitors accounted for more than 20% of arrivals in fiscal year 2026, per Vicky Benavente, acting board chairwoman of the Marianas Visitors Authority. Benavente expressed “deep concern” over the suspension, stating that “Suspending EVS-TAP without a viable replacement will be devastating.”
The CNMI government has not issued an official response to the suspension as of publication.
Rationale and Concerns Raised
DHS justified the suspension by citing potential risks, including:
- Birth tourism and its perceived exploitation of U.S. citizenship laws.
- National security threats, such as espionage or illegal onward travel to Guam, a key U.S. military hub.
- Immigration enforcement challenges, including the possibility of travelers overstaying or violating visa terms.
Republican lawmakers have been vocal in their opposition to the program. In addition to the April letter, Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) and Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI) had raised concerns in March, calling for its termination. Rep. Roy’s office welcomed the DHS decision, stating the administration had “closed this dangerous loophole.”
Sen. Lee celebrated the move on social media, writing: “America is not a nursery for the CCP to steal citizenship.” He also praised the Trump administration for having “closed” the pathway previously.
Implications for Travelers and the CNMI
The suspension means Chinese nationals seeking to visit the CNMI for business or tourism will now require a nonimmigrant visa, unless another lawful exception applies. The change affects:
- New applicants to the EVS-TAP program.
- Existing travelers with active authorizations, who may remain in the CNMI only for the duration of their approved stay.
The CNMI’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on Chinese visitors, faces immediate disruption. Benavente warned that the suspension could have long-term economic consequences, particularly if no alternative program is established.
DHS has not indicated a timeline for completing its review of the EVS-TAP program, leaving uncertainty over whether the suspension is temporary or permanent. The department has not responded to requests for further clarification on potential replacement policies.