The Radical Reading Room

On October 26, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the suspension of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP), a visa-free travel program for Chinese nationals. The decision was made by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who cited concerns that the program could facilitate birth tourism, espionage, and illegal travel to nearby Guam, a key U.S. military hub.

The suspension applies to future and active applications, while those already admitted to the Northern Mariana Islands under the program could remain for the duration of their authorized stays. The program, which allowed prescreened Chinese nationals to visit the CNMI for up to 14 days without a visa, was established in 2024 and enabled over 3,000 Chinese nationals to visit the territory in fiscal year 2025 through a streamlined authorization process.

The suspension was announced in a notice published in the Federal Register, which stated that the Secretary of Homeland Security had determined there was 'good cause' to suspend the program, citing threats to national security and law enforcement interests. The decision was supported by Republican lawmakers, including Sens. Mike Lee, Rick Scott, John Cornyn, and Bill Cassidy, who had previously called for the termination of the program, warning that it posed national security threats and encouraged illegal drug trafficking and birth tourism.

The suspension takes effect at 2 pm EDT on October 30, 2026, according to a notice in the Federal Register signed by Mullin. The decision was also praised by the House Freedom Caucus, which supported the move to address national security concerns. The program was part of a specific visa waiver authority authorized by the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008, which allowed certain countries' nationals to visit Guam and the CNMI without a visa under specified conditions.