US citizenship not for sale, says Rubio. Internet points to Trump's Gold Card

He stated that the State Department has established a Birth Tourism Prevention Task Force to investigate such activity and identify people involved in facilitating it. According to the department, the task force examines visa holders' activities and travel histories using information from the State.

Rubio's claim was quickly hit with a community note on X, which pointed to the Trump administration's Gold Card programme. The context was accompanied by a copy of the Gold Card executive order.

What Happened

The programme does not directly sell US citizenship. Instead, it offers a route towards permanent residency and eventual naturalisation for qualifying applicants.WHAT IS BIRTH TOURISM?

• The 'readers added context' flagged that the US government has launched the Gold Card programme, under which foreign nationals can obtain US residency and a pathway to citizenship after making a $1 million to.

• The campaign comes against the backdrop of the long-standing US principle of birthright citizenship.

• Officials have also cited cases involving travellers who concealed their real purpose for visiting the US.

Key Details

The US government says some operators advertise services that include visa coaching, accommodation and hospital arrangements.

• An executive order issued by Trump on August 6 authorises the State Department and Department of Homeland Security to take action against people involved in the practice.

• The Trump administration defines birth tourism as travelling to the US on a non-immigrant visa specifically to give birth.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge