Chinese billionaire Xu Bo has ignited a firestorm by using American surrogates to secure U.S. citizenship for more than 100 children. The practice raises serious questions about the reach of America’s birthright citizenship policy.
Surrogacy Scandal Fuels 14th Amendment Debate
CBS News reported that a woman identified only as “Judy” became a surrogate after seeing an Instagram ad promising $120,000. The single mother, who already has a 7‑year‑old daughter, said the payment would let her buy a home and improve her family’s life.
After signing with Patriot Conceptions, Judy learned the intended father was a wealthy Chinese gamer who had already arranged dozens of surrogacy contracts. She noted that he had hired a large number of surrogates, though she could not give an exact figure.
Judy said she asked to meet Xu at least five times. Each request was denied, leaving her to wonder whether she has a right to know.
Leaked documents identified Xu Bo as a video game executive linked to over 100 births through U.S. surrogates, while a former business partner claimed he may have as many as 300 children. The documents provide the most concrete evidence of his extensive surrogacy operations.
Xu posted a photo on social media showing more than 100 youngsters seated in rows. He declared in Chinese that “more children bring more blessings” and that his actions would aid the long‑term development of the Chinese nation.
All the children are U.S. citizens under the Supreme Court’s June interpretation of the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to anyone born on American soil regardless of parental immigration status. This rule creates a loophole that Xu exploits.
Critics argue Xu is effectively buying citizenship by renting women’s bodies, a practice that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called “absurd.” The governor’s comment underscores growing political backlash, and lawmakers say the case highlights flaws in current surrogacy regulations.
Florida legislators have moved to bar surrogacy arrangements with residents of countries labeled “countries of concern,” including China. The proposed ban aims to prevent foreign nationals from exploiting U.S. surrogacy services to secure citizenship for their children.
Related: How A Surrogacy Nightmare Exposed America’s Fractured Abortion Law Depravity The story illustrates the broader legal tensions surrounding reproductive rights in the United States.
