A man from California was sentenced on Monday to nearly 3 1/2 years in prison for operating a business that assisted pregnant Chinese women in traveling to the United States to give birth, granting their babies American citizenship automatically. Michael Wei Yueh Liu, 59, was convicted in September of conspiracy and money laundering for running a company called USA Happy Baby. His wife, Phoebe Dong, who has since separated from him, was also convicted in connection with the scheme and is scheduled for sentencing early next year.
Liu, who received a 41-month sentence, was escorted out of the courtroom and taken into custody after an emotional scene where he handed his belongings to his attorney and briefly held Dong’s hand as she cried. In court, Liu appealed for leniency citing his responsibilities to care for his elderly parents and young son, who depend on him. He expressed regret for his actions and the impact on his family since a 2015 raid on his business.
Despite the prosecution’s request for a longer sentence, U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner reduced Liu’s sentence due to his family circumstances. Klausner acknowledged the impact on the defendant’s loved ones but emphasized that it was Liu’s choices that led to the consequences. The court noted that USA Happy Baby facilitated several hundred Chinese women to travel to the U.S. for childbirth between 2012 and 2015, charging high fees for services and guiding them on how to deceive authorities.
Liu’s attorney, Kevin Cole, argued for a shorter sentence considering his client’s role as a caretaker for his elderly parents and his otherwise commendable life in Taiwan. Cole highlighted Liu’s military service and dedication to his family, asserting that an extended prison term would not benefit anyone. The case against Liu and Dong, who were involved in the operation for years, culminated in the recent sentencing, with authorities emphasizing the seriousness of the criminal conduct and the need for accountability.
Prosecutors refrained from immediate comments following the sentencing, while the defense emphasized Liu’s positive attributes and urged the court to consider his family responsibilities and background in determining the appropriate sentence.
Federal authorities conducted a four-year investigation into operators of businesses targeting Chinese women seeking to give birth in the United States. The investigation resulted in charges being filed against a couple and more than a dozen others, including a woman who pleaded guilty and received a 10-month prison sentence for her involvement in a company called You Win USA. These businesses have a history of operating in California and other states, serving clientele not only from China, but also from countries such as Russia, Nigeria, and beyond.
While it is not illegal for pregnant women to travel to the United States, providing false information to U.S. consular and immigration officials on government documents is prohibited. The appeal of giving birth in the U.S. lies in the concept of birthright citizenship, which grants children born on American soil automatic citizenship. Many believe that this can provide their offspring with opportunities such as access to a U.S. college education and a potential safety net for the future. Additionally, parents of these children can apply for permanent residency in the U.S. once their American-born child reaches the age of 21.
President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to abolish birthright citizenship during his time in office. However, any attempt to do so would encounter significant legal challenges and obstacles.
