China Entrepreneurs Peddle US Citizenship for $1,475

US citizenship may be a priceless commodity to many, but it China it runs $1,475 (airfare not included). Entrepreneurs have set up a surprisingly efficient system to take advantage of the provision that babies born on US soil are entitled to citizenship, the Washington Post explains. Expectant moms are flown to the US a month before their due date to a Chinese "baby-care center" in California.

There they get all the comforts of home, provided by a Chinese-speaking staff, plus shopping and sightseeing trips. The 3-month trip is entirely legal, say organizers, even if expectant moms usually fudge and say they're coming over on a vacation. Many Chinese parents who take advantage of the businesses are sold on the prospect of getting their kids a free education in US public schools.
(More China stories.)