Michael Wei Yueh Liu, a California man, was sentenced to nearly 3.5 years in prison for helping pregnant Chinese women travel to the United States to give birth so their babies could automatically obtain American citizenship.
Liu ran a company called USA Happy Baby that facilitated this practice, charging tourists up to $40,000 for services, including accommodation in Southern California and guidance on how to deceive U.S. authorities about the purpose of their travel.
The big picture: Despite pleading for leniency in court to care for his elderly parents and 13-year-old son, Liu was sentenced to 41 months in prison, after which he was immediately taken into custody.
- Liu mentioned that his intent was always to uphold integrity and responsibility but regretted the actions that led to his sentencing.
- U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner acknowledged Liu’s family situation but highlighted that it was the defendant’s actions that caused harm and the associated consequences of those choices.
Go deeper: The court documents mentioned that Liu helped several hundred Chinese women deceive U.S. authorities to obtain citizenship for their children, with prosecutors emphasizing the serious nature of this criminal conduct and the need for accountability.
What we’re watching: Liu’s wife, Phoebe Dong, who was involved in the scheme, will be sentenced early next year.
