The “Maternity Hotels” Industry
In places like Southern California — particularly the San Gabriel Valley, Irvine, and parts of Orange County — there are entire operations running what amount to maternity hotels. Women from China, Russia, Nigeria, and elsewhere pay anywhere from $20,000 to $80,000 for a package deal:
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Visa assistance (often involving coaching on how to lie to consular officers about the purpose of travel)
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Housing in a shared apartment or condo for the final months of pregnancy
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Transportation to and from medical appointments
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Assistance applying for the child’s US passport and Social Security number
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Instructions on how to avoid hospital billing
The businesses coach women to wear loose clothing through customs, to enter through ports of entry known for laxer scrutiny, and to lie about their due dates or pregnancy status outright.
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