A few days ago in the City of Muntinlupa, a tenant in the Park Trade Centre building in Barangay Ayala Alabang received a bomb threat which caused a disturbance and alerted the local police, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
An office in Barangay Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa, received a bomb threat on Monday, Aug. 10, prompting a police investigation.
At 2:29 p.m., the administrator of a tenant firm on the fourth floor of the Park Trade Centre building on Investment Drive received an email claiming explosives had been planted on the premises.
The building’s security immediately alerted the Muntinlupa police.
Personnel from the Station EOD and Canine Unit (SECU) arrived at 3:35 p.m. to investigate. They conducted interviews and a threat assessment before carrying out a paneling operation, or search sweep, across different areas of the office.
By 4:10 p.m., the team declared the office clear of explosives or hazardous materials.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, does this incident bother you? Can you guess what type of person would send a bomb threat via email to a local business?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
To ensure better coordination and more efficient action on immigration matters, Japan’s Immigration Services Agency has formally started the process of sharing personal data on foreign nationals facing deportation with the local governments, according to a news article by Jiji Press. The agency plans to provide monthly updates on such foreigners’ relocations or returns to their home countries.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…
Japan’s Immigration Services Agency has started sharing personal information on foreign nationals subject to deportation proceedings with local governments, as part of a review of policies concerning foreigners pursued by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Previously, such information was shared only when there was consent from affected individuals, sometimes leaving local governments unable to grasp the whereabouts of foreigners subject to deportation proceedings.
The latest move is aimed at promoting appropriate responses through cooperation between the central and local governments.
In July, the agency informed local governments of the number, names, addresses, nationalities and dates of birth of foreign nationals who were subject to deportation proceedings and living outside immigration facilities as of the end of June.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the immigration services agency of Japan is doing the right thing by sharing with local governments personal information of foreigners who are facing deportation? Do you think this new strategy will improve the search for and deportation of foreigners who are staying in Japan illegally? What do you think local governments can do when it comes to illegal aliens/immigrants living within their jurisdiction? Do you think other nations should follow Japan’s examples?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
A person who has been wanted for rape, child abuse and other criminal charges across different jurisdictions was arrested by local police officers (in coordination with their provincial counterparts) in Las Piñas City, according to a news report by The Daily Tribune.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of The Daily Tribune. Some parts in boldface…
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) arrested a most wanted person during a high-impact joint law enforcement operation in Las Piñas City on Saturday morning.
The fugitive, who has active warrants for heinous crimes, was captured at approximately 7:10 a.m. inside his residence along Saging Street, Phase 1, Barangay CAA, Las Piñas City.
The accused was apprehended by combined operatives of the Las Piñas City Police Station and the Hindang Municipal Police Station of the Leyte Police Provincial Office.
He faces multiple severe charges across different jurisdictions, leaving him with no legal recourse for immediate freedom on his primary charge.
The first is a warrant for rape issued by a regional trial court in Leyte on 12 July 2021, with no bail recommended. The second is a separate warrant for violation of Section 10(a) of Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, issued by a Las Piñas City court on 26 February 2015, with bail set at P80,000.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you thankful to the police officers for the successful apprehension of the suspect? Does this development make you feel safer in the city?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Among the fourteen million foreign tourists Vietnam attracted during the first seven months of 2026 are visitors from the Philippines totaling 416,000, according to report by VnExpress. The authorities have described the Philippines as having the biggest increase among Southeast Asian markets.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…
The number of visitors from the Philippines to Vietnam jumped 63.6% year-on-year between January and July to 416,000, the biggest increase among Southeast Asian markets.
In the region, there were huge increases also in the number of arrivals from Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. They increased by 40.8%, 31%, 27.3%, and 21.6%, according to the General Statistics Office.
The tourism industry attributed the jump in the number of visitors from Southeast Asia to a rapidly expanding flight network and growing demand for intra-regional travel.
Indonesia AirAsia launched a direct flight connecting Bali (Denpasar) and Da Nang on March 20 while Vietjet launched a direct route connecting Da Nang and Jakarta on April 29.
In March,Philippines AirAsia launched a new direct route linking Da Nang with Manila in the Philippines.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Considering the strong Filipino interest on visiting Vietnam, would you be surprised to see Vietnam attract 1,000,000 visitors from the Philippines by the end of this year? What do you think makes Vietnam a special travel destination for Filipinos?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
Public schools in Las Piñas have strengthened campus safety measures, urging parents and guardians — especially those with children in elementary schools — to provide transparent plastic water bottles or tumblers for their children following the fatal stabbing at Las Piñas National High School.
The Schools Division Office (SDO) of Las Piñas said the enhanced measures aim to safeguard the well-being of all learners across the city’s public schools.
Officials reminded students not to bring sharp objects to school to prevent accidents and encouraged them to immediately report bullying, harassment, or unusual behavior to teachers, guidance counselors, or administrators for prompt intervention.
The reminders were reinforced during an emergency meeting convened by Schools Division Superintendent Melody P. Cruz on Saturday, Aug. 1, with public school principals.
Department of Education National Capital Region (DepEd NCR) Regional Director and concurrent Officer in Charge Assistant Secretary for Operations Jocelyn DR Andaya also attended.
The meeting, called in the wake of the fatal stabbing, focused on strengthening safety protocols, preventive measures, and closer coordination among schools, parents, local government units, and the community.
Andaya stressed the need for collective action to protect learners, saying, “One life taken is a life too many.”
She urged school officials, parents, and stakeholders to work together in maintaining safe, secure, and child friendly learning environments.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the tightening of security in public schools will make a long-lasting impact?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.
Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1980s arts and culture enthusiasts, Spider-Man fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1985 to examine a small part of the Marvel Comics shared universe through a tale of the Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man monthly series.
The first two chapters of the murder of Jean DeWolff really impacted not only Spider-Man but also Daredevil and the city of New York. Issue #107 was the start and the search for answers started with a good amount of mystery and suspense. In issue #108, the plot thickened somewhat and Spider-Man encountered the Sin-Eater with lots of bystanders nearby. Since the start, the creators crafted a compelling tale with a heavy touch of detective storytelling.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #109, published in 1985 by Marvel Comics with a story written by the late Peter David and the late Rich Buckler.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins with the news of the violent death of a reverend being reported on television. The local authorities believe that the victim’s concern for criminals – a concern shared by the late judge Horace Rosenthal – marked him as a target of the Sin-Eater. While the news broadcast goes on, Peter Parker talks to Stan Carter as Spider-Man on the phone (with a cloth on the mouthpiece to distort the sound of his natural voice). Other people who saw the news broadcast are affected in different ways and there is the feeling of dread clouding the city.
In the evening, Wilson Grant Fisk (the Kingpin) dictates into his small recorder. While dictating and recording, the Kingpin knows Spider-Man is hiding in the dark very close to him. He fires a shot at Spider-Man who easily evades it. As the webslinger starts talking to him, the Kingpin reminds him that he is trespassing…
Quality
Danger inside the Daily Bugle!
Right from the start, this tale not only maintained the gritty detective story tone since issue #107, it continued to build-up the tension and intrigue smoothly as the story went on. At this stage of the storyline, Spider-Man and Daredevil are both doing detective work to find out who the Sin-Eater really is and why precisely has he been killing people and causing chaos in the first place.
Both superheroes encountered different people in their respective searches for answers. Because he was not successful finding details as Daredevil, he decides to do it in his civilian form as Matt Murdock. Spider-Man, who is not a professional detective at all, continues his search with his limitations and with the only ways he knows how (including the use of violence, humiliation and threats).
Without spoiling the plot, I can say that there two notable plot turning points that are really fine payoffs to the build-up that started since issue #107. What happened here was finely dramatized by the David-Buckler duo and easily justified the cover price.
Conclusion
Spider-Man doing detective work the way he knows how.
Considering the very strong qualities of the writing and visuals combined with the two major plot developments, Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #109 (1985) is easily the most compelling part of the death of Jean DeWolff storyline. I should also state that Spider-Man and Daredevil are the key detectives of the tale and the creative team succeeded again in shaping this detective story to be very grounded with reality. The superhero elements are still present but noticeably contained with the brooding detective story. As to the two plot turning points I mentioned earlier, I encourage you all to grab a copy of this comic book and find out for yourselves. I promise you, they are worth your time and attention
Overall, Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #109 (1985)is highly recommended.
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, forty-seven World War II veterans were honored during a special ceremony hosted by the Mayor at the Museo ng Muntinlupa, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Forty-seven Filipino World War II veterans were conferred the US Congressional Gold Medal in a ceremony held in Muntinlupa City.
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon hosted the awarding ceremony at the Museo ng Muntinlupa.
“Ito ang pinakamataas na civilian honor mula sa U.S. Congress. So aside from their pension, our veterans are also given this tribute dahil sa kanilang kabayanihan (This is the highest civilian honor from the US Congress. So aside from their pension, our veterans are also given this tribute for their heroism),” he said.
The ceremony was attended by Lt. Col. Roy Stone, chief of staff of the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group to the Philippines (JUSMAG-PHIL), and Senior Undersecretary Irineo Espino of the Department of National Defense.
They were joined by Muntinlupa Rep. Jaime Fresnedi, Usec. Reynaldo Mapagu of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), and Krista Staley, assistant veterans service center manager of the Manila Regional Benefits Office of the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
The forty-seven posthumous awardees included Lieutenant Colonel Iluminado G. Vallejo Sr., Lieutenant Colonel Vicente O. Novales, Lieutenant Colonel Luis D. Vinoya, First Lieutenant Benjamin B. Gloria, Second Lieutenant Arsenio F. Librado Sr., Second Lieutenant Desiderio D. Malabuen, Second Lieutenant Francisco S. De Guzman, Master Sergeant Gregorio C. Nolasco, Master Sergeant Juan R. Peñamante, Technical Sergeant Pascual M. Tampil, Technical Sergeant Francisco D. De Leon, Staff Sergeant Alfredo F. Del Monte Sr., Sergeant Celso A. Escosia, Sergeant Manuel G. Abundancia Sr., Sergeant Marcelo S. Encarnacion, Sergeant Canuto G. Argame, Sergeant Victor S. Santos, Sergeant Victorio D. Montillano, and Sergeant Juan B. Gacutan.
They also included Corporal Sisenando E. De Castro, Corporal Sinfroso M. Pili, Corporal Glicerio R. Revillame, Corporal Jesus H. Gegato, Corporal Maximo E. Formaran, Corporal Damian P. Ogoc, Corporal Florentino D. Vargas, Private First Class Candido A. Luna, Private First Class Leopoldo V. Salavante, Private First Class Pedro R. Magbanua, Private First Class Regalado C. Ruiz, Private First Class Felix U. Castro, Private First Class Patrocinio G. Viñalon, Private First Class Severino A. Gasmin Sr., Private First Class Felicitos A. Lubrio, and Private First Class Bayani V. Gutierrez.
Other honorees were Private Paulo P. Damasco, Private Joaquin T. Taleon, Private Miguel P. Lopena, Private Tagumpay M. Villadolid, Private Romualdo N. Villanueva, Private Mariano N. Millama, Private Santos G. Orellana, Private Emeterio B. Pacate, Private Sixto M. Garbo, Private Uliran A. Ortiz, Private Igmedio V. Paliok, and Private Mamerto R. Pagkalinawan.
Stone said the US Congressional Gold Medal is a profound expression of America’s gratitude to Filipino World War II veterans for their courage, sacrifice, and service.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you thankful to the local police officers for the successful buy-bust operation?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The economy of the Philippines slowed down even further in the 2nd quarter of 2026 landing at 2.3%, according to a news report by GMA News. Embarrassingly, this made the Philippines an economic weakling among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…
The Philippine economy continued to slow down in the second quarter of 2026, still due to a subdued investor and consumer sentiment amid the lingering effects of the flood control corruption scandal and the inflationary pressure brought by Middle East crisis-induced global fuel price shocks, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Friday.
At a press conference, PSA chief and National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa said the economy, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP)—the value of goods and services produced in a period— grew 2.3% in the April to June 2026 period, slower than the 2.8% growth seen in the first quarter of 2026.
This is the economy’s weakest footing since the fourth quarter of 2009—excluding the contraction seen during the COVID-19 pandemic years— when the GDP growth rate was at 1.8%.
The 2.8% second quarter GDP growth put the Philippines behind its neighbors in Southeast Asia that already released their April to June economic growth rates such as Indonesia at 5.29%, Vietnam at 8.39%, and Singapore at 5.7%.
The first half of 2026 GDP growth rate stood at 2.6%, still behind the government’s downwardly revised target of 3.5% to 4.5% for the entire year.
Despite the economic slowdown, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said, “What we are experiencing right now, I believe, is transitory, temporary.”
“Domestic demand remained subdued, mainly because total investment continued to contract as public construction declined. Household consumption growth also moderated amid higher inflation, job losses, and lower remittance receipts arising from the Middle East conflict,” Balisacan said.
Household final consumption expenditure grew 2.8%, slower than 5.2% in the same period last year, weighed by contractions in transport (-7.5%), alcoholic beverages and tobacco (-1.9%), recreation and culture (-0.8%), and restaurants and hotels (-0.2%).
Government expenditure, likewise, slowed down by 8.3% from 8.7% year-on-year; while gross capital formation (GCF) —which measures investments— contracted by 9.2% from a growth rate of 0.9% a year ago.
The decline in GCF was due to the decline in construction at 14.8% with government spending on construction contracting 32.4%.
“Although public construction is a small part of the economy, the amount of contraction, at 32%, brought a significant impact on the economy,” Balisacan said.
“The sharp decline in public construction was the main contributor in the decline in investments… driven by continuous caution due to the flood control scandal,” the country’s chief economist said.
Among the major economic sectors, agriculture posted a growth rate of 2.7%, slower than 7% year-on-year; industry declined by 2.4%, from an increase of 2.1% weighed by the construction’s depreciation; services grew slower at 4.5% from 6.9%.
Agriculture, industry, and services sector contributed 7.5%, 27.9%, and 63.3%, respectively to the total GDP during the quarter.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines will eventually fall into a recession in 2027? Do you believe that the hosting of the ASEAN summit by the Philippines will result in economic miracles and more foreign investment?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
During the first half of 2026, Japan’s exports of food and farm products grew by a huge 10.9% which is a huge economic achievement for the nation and its government, according to a news report by Kyodo News.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…
Japan’s exports of agricultural, forestry and fishery products and food products in the first half of 2026 rose 10.9 percent from a year earlier to 897.7 billion yen ($5.7 billion), a record high for the period, the government said Tuesday.
Shipments to all of Japan’s top 10 destinations, including the United States and Hong Kong, exceeded year-before levels, pushing the overall total to a new January-June peak for the second straight year.
By product, green tea posted a notable gain, supported by a global matcha boom, with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries saying that growing inbound tourism has raised overseas awareness of Japanese food.
Rising health consciousness also contributed, while new sales channels expanded at supermarkets and restaurants abroad that had not previously handled Japanese food. But the pace of export growth slowed from 15.5 percent in the first half of 2025.
Among the top 10 destinations by export value, eight countries and regions, apart from second-ranked Hong Kong and third-ranked China, marked first-half records. Exports to Hong Kong increased 3.0 percent, while those to China grew 4.3 percent.
Exports to South Korea rose 20.5 percent, with yellowtail and beer showing solid gains, while those to Vietnam jumped 35.4 percent on strong demand for scallops and mackerel. The United States ranked first, up 15.3 percent to 162.6 billion yen.
Green tea, beef, apples, and sauces and mixed seasonings registered record highs for the January-June period. Green tea surged 83.5 percent to 48.2 billion yen, while yellowtail surged 69.0 percent to 43.4 billion yen.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Considering the massive number of foreign tourists in Japan, are you convinced that the greater awareness of Japanese food somehow contributed to the huge demand (for Japanese products) in countries around the world? How much food and beverages imported from Japan are being offered in your local groceries or convenience stores right now?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
Following the unfortunate decision made the by Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) regarding birthright citizenship, US President Donald J. Trump signed two new Executive Orders to formally end birth tourism while also protecting the meaning and value of American citizenship.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the News24 (formerly Sky News Australia) video covering the Oval Office. Watch it and pay close attention to the details.
In America, birth tourism is already a huge problem that has yet to be full resolved. If it is left unchecked, it will negatively impact and even deform democracy in the US. That said, President Trump signed the Executive Order ending birth tourism. To understand it fully, posted below is the entire content of the said Executive Order sourced from the White House website. Some parts in boldface…
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Purpose. United States citizenship is among the greatest inheritances the Nation can bestow. It embodies a sacred bond between the American people and the Nation in which they live, and carries profound rights, privileges, and responsibilities reflective of the enduring allegiance of citizens to the United States and our Constitution. Citizenship is not a commodity to be acquired through calculated exploitation and evasion of the immigration laws, such as by entering the United States on a nonimmigrant visa for the purpose of giving birth within the Nation’s borders.
Birth tourism operators use deceptive advertisements and inducements to entice foreign nationals to travel to the United States for the purpose of giving birth on American soil. They promise citizenship; access to public benefits; and short-term stays in specialized facilities, hotels, or rentals, but often fail to deliver on these promises. These operators coach their clients to misrepresent the purpose and duration of their travel to consular and border officials to obtain visas authorizing entry into the United States. Failure to appropriately combat these schemes has resulted in thriving industries around the world that profit by enabling the evasion of American immigration laws to obtain citizenship and other immigration benefits for foreign visitors, and the exploitation of the women who travel here for purposes of giving birth.
The immigration laws of the United States establish discrete categories of temporary nonimmigrant visas to allow foreign visitors into the United States for study, exchange, temporary employment, tourism, and other transitory activities that are now exploited by birth tourism operators. Participants in birth tourism schemes abuse these categories to establish a permanent foothold in the United States by securing the advantage of citizenship for their children and then potentially for themselves.
Birth tourism, defined in section 3 of this order, undermines the integrity of the Nation’s immigration system by enabling foreign nationals to exploit their temporary admission to obtain permanent immigration-related benefits. Birth tourism also diverts limited consular inspection and enforcement resources away from legitimate visa applicants, erodes public confidence in the faithful enforcement of the immigration laws, and impairs the executive branch’s ability to protect the national security.
The United States has a compelling interest in ensuring that each visa category is used only for the purpose for which it was established. Foreign nationals seeking temporary admission into the United States must adhere to the purposes for which the Congress has authorized their temporary admission, and cannot be permitted to circumvent the immigration laws in an attempt to vest themselves and their children with lasting benefits that are irreconcilable with their nonimmigrant status.
It is therefore the policy of the United States to promote the integrity of its immigration system, to ensure that nonimmigrant visa classifications are used only for their lawful and intended purposes, and to prevent the exploitation of those classifications by persons engaging in birth tourism.
Sec. 2. Authorities. Pursuant to section 301 of title 3, United States Code, the authority granted to the President under section 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1185(a), is hereby delegated to the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security to the extent necessary to implement this order, including the authority to issue or adopt rules, policies, operational guidance, or other guidance to carry out this order.
Sec. 3. Definition. For purposes of this order, “birth tourism” is defined as:
(a) the entry of any foreign national into the United States via a nonimmigrant visa for the purpose of giving birth on American soil; or
(b) any effort by any foreign national to facilitate the entry of any foreign national into the United States via a nonimmigrant visa for the purpose of giving birth on American soil.
Sec. 4. Scope and Implementation. (a) The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take such actions and update any rules, policies, operational guidance, or other guidance as necessary to effectuate the policy set forth in this order. Such actions may include, within the Secretaries’ respective discretion and authority, appropriate action to prevent the entry into the United States of, or the granting of any visa or other travel authorization to, any alien entering or attempting to enter the United States for the purpose of engaging in birth tourism; revoking the visa or travel authorization and permanently barring entry of any alien who enters or attempts to enter the United States for the purpose of engaging in birth tourism; denial of entry to, or removal of, any alien who previously engaged or plans to engage in birth tourism; or other appropriate action against entities, organizations, or individuals, within or outside of the United States, responsible for facilitating or enabling birth tourism in any manner.
(b) All other relevant executive departments and agencies shall provide such records and information as are necessary for the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security to implement the terms of this order and the rules, policies, operational guidance, or other guidance issued pursuant to it, subject to applicable law.
Sec. 5. Exemptions. Notwithstanding the restrictions imposed by this order, the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security may exempt a foreign national from actions taken pursuant to this order on humanitarian grounds or when the foreign national’s entry is in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(d) If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstances, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of any of its other provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
(e) The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Homeland Security.
DONALD J. TRUMP
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the two new Executive Orders signed by Trump will effectively end birth tourism while protecting the value of American citizenship? What kind of responses do you think the Democrats will come up with to oppose the Executive Orders. Do you think Islamist states like Iran, Pakistan, Qatar and Bangladesh are deliberately sending their citizens to America with birth tourism in mind? Did you spot any Chinese nationals engaging in birth tourism in America lately?
Author Carlo Carrasco 