This is a scam known in all overseas countries, didn’t you know about it?
Japanese actresses brag about using it on TV in Tokyo;
... all rich Mexicans use it.
Heck, even poor tourists use it by just staying a little bit longer, or inducing labor (not big labor) early.
As far as I can tell, the U.S.A. is the only country out of 220 world-wide countries to allow this loophole, and has so for more than 200 years.
And of course once little Joey is a new American he can invite Mom, Grand-mom, and all his cousins to become Americans too. Why do you think LA is inhabited by people who will laughingly tell you to your face that soon LA will be owned by others? Ask a few and see what answers you get ...
No politician is willing to talk about it, change it, or even inform you of it. But believe me, all non-U.S, citizens know it very well indeed.
“As far as I can tell, the U.S.A. is the only country out of 220 world-wide countries to allow this loophole, and has so for more than 200 years.”
Apparently not: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jus_soli#Specific_national_legislation . Birth tourists come to this country, too. Personally, I’m kind of envious of those who have dual citizenship - nice to have two countries from which you cannot legally be denied entry. Could definitely come in handy.