A Californian man received a nearly 3 1/2 year prison sentence on Monday for operating a large-scale business that facilitated the travel of pregnant Chinese women to the United States. The purpose of this operation was to enable these women to give birth in the US, ensuring automatic American citizenship for their babies.
Michael Wei Yueh Liu, 59, was convicted in September of conspiracy and money laundering for operating USA Happy Baby. U.S. authorities had requested a prison term of over five years for Liu. Liu’s wife, Phoebe Dong, who was also involved in the scheme, has been convicted as well and is scheduled to be sentenced in early next year.
After authorities handed down a 41-month sentence, Liu was escorted out of the courtroom and placed in custody. As he left, he handed his belt and a folder to his attorney. In a fleeting moment, he briefly held Dong’s hand while she sobbed.
Liu pleaded for leniency in court, expressing his need to care for his elderly parents and 13-year-old son, who all rely on him. A group of around a dozen supporters, many from his church, were present to offer moral support. Liu shared that his family has endured significant hardship for almost ten years following a raid on his business in 2015.
During his sentencing hearing, Liu expressed regret for any actions or decisions that may have led to the current judgment. He acknowledged his intention to uphold the values of integrity and responsibility. Liu also mentioned that he had made an effort to be a source of stability for his family, but his incarceration would leave them in a more vulnerable position.
“I am not here to dodge accountability, but rather to plead for compassion,” he expressed.
U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner acknowledged that it is the family members of the defendants who often bear the brunt of the consequences. However, he emphasized that it is the defendant’s own actions, and not the court’s, that have caused harm. Despite this, Klausner decided to reduce Liu’s sentence in consideration of his family situation.
“The choices you make are not determined by the court,” emphasized Klausner.
Between 2012 and 2015, U.S. authorities have reported that USA Happy Baby assisted a significant number of women from China in traveling to the United States to give birth to babies who would be American citizens. These tourists paid up to $40,000 for various services, which included renting apartments during their time in Southern California. Additionally, they collaborated with international organizations that provided guidance to women on how to handle visa interviews and navigate U.S. airports. These organizations even advised the women to wear loose clothing to conceal their pregnancies.
Federal prosecutors wrote in court documents that the defendant assisted numerous customers in deceiving U.S. authorities and acquiring U.S. citizenship for their children, for which they paid tens of thousands of dollars each. They emphasized the seriousness of this criminal behavior and the need for a significant sentence to uphold the law and ensure the defendant is held accountable.
Prosecutors chose not to provide immediate comment following the sentencing.
Kevin Cole, Liu’s attorney, requested a maximum sentence of 26 months for his client and asked the judge to consider his critical role as the caretaker for his elderly parents. Cole highlighted Liu’s responsibilities of taking his 95-year-old father and 82-year-old mother to medical appointments, bathing them, and preparing their meals. Additionally, Cole emphasized Liu’s upstanding life in Taiwan, where he served in the military and devoted himself to his family.
Cole made a compelling argument in court, stating that the individual in question has led a life of integrity. According to Cole, imposing a lengthy prison sentence in this instance would serve no purpose for either the individual or the public.
Liu and Dong have been involved in a long-standing legal case. In 2015, federal authorities conducted searches in over a dozen homes in Southern California as part of a crackdown on businesses that catered to Chinese women wanting to give birth in the United States. Four years later, Liu, Dong, and several others were charged in connection with this operation. One of the individuals involved, who ran a company called You Win USA, pleaded guilty and received a 10-month prison sentence.
Businesses like these have been operating in California and other states for a long time, serving not only people from China but also from Russia, Nigeria, and other countries. While it is not illegal for someone to visit the United States while pregnant, it is against the rules to provide false information to U.S. consular and immigration officials regarding the purpose of travel on official documents.
One of the main attractions for travelers to the United States has been its birthright citizenship. This policy is believed to offer a potential advantage for their children, as it could help them secure a college education in the U.S. and serve as a form of future insurance. Moreover, tourists themselves can apply for permanent residency once their American child reaches the age of 21.
President-elect Donald Trump has made a promise to put an end to birthright citizenship once he assumes office. However, it is important to note that this endeavor would encounter significant legal obstacles.