This strategy has several benefits for the Chinese. In theory, it means the kid can sponsor the family to come to the US in 18 years.
Immediately, it lets them put massive assets in the child’s name in the U.S., hiding it from Chinese authorities. Put 200K in the child’s 529 account or a custodial account, and it is safe if the family needs to flee to the U.S. or for any other reason.
The child can apply to U.S. colleges as either a foreigner or American citizen, whichever is more advantageous.
Wouldn’t it be easier to divorce the Chinese guy and marry an American?
Is this how they spy for China?
go further. Chinese have/had a one-child policy. Anchor baby sponsors the parents’ citizenship. Anchor baby has an excellent chance of getting University-level education in the US, as opposed to China, where a 94% is as good as an F, the competition for seats is so high. If something happens to one-anchor-child, the parents have no one else to care for them. What better way to secure a comfortable future than with American medicare? So anchor babies secure two benefit sets - one for the anchor baby and one ensuring autumn of life care for the parents. And that is why illegal and anchor immigration is not revenue-neutral.