The United States is set to impose stricter regulations on 'Birth Tourism', a practice widely pursued by affluent Japanese families. The policy changes aim to discourage foreign travelers from entering the US for the primary purpose of giving birth, thereby granting their children American citizenship. The crackdown is expected to implement thorough vetting procedures to rectify this loophole in immigration rules.

In Japan, the topic of birth tourism is divisive. While some tout its benefits, such as potentially granting children easier access to American opportunities or providing a “backup plan” amidst Japan's rigorous societal demands, others see it as a dubious practice that embodies disparity and exploitation of immigration loopholes. Legal voices also stress vigilance as such tourists may face intense scrutiny or even deportation.

While the US is cracking down on birth tourism, in the European Union, countries vary widely in their approach. Some nations, like Germany and France, do not grant automatic citizenship to children born to foreign parents, while others like Ireland offer “birthright citizenship”. This underlying divergence in handling the issue reflects differing societal views and immigration policy objectives between the two regions.