The United States Department of State says it has intensified action against what it describes as illegal birth tourism schemes, warning that foreign nationals are not permitted to obtain visitor visas for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so their children can acquire U.S. citizenship.
In a statement, the Department said that under President Donald Trump, it is defending the integrity of U.S. citizenship by shutting down networks that help foreign nationals fraudulently obtain visas for birth tourism.
According to the Department, a U.S. embassy in West Africa uncovered a sophisticated birth tourism network involving more than 100 foreign nationals. The individuals were allegedly using fraudulent documents and visa “fixers” to obtain U.S. visas with the intention of traveling to the United States to give birth.
The State Department said the visas of those involved have been revoked, adding that it is working with local authorities to identify and stop similar operations.
In Europe, a U.S. embassy reportedly identified more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases since 2024. Investigators traced the cases to at least six companies accused of coaching visa applicants on what to say during interviews, arranging housing in the United States, and setting up delivery plans for expectant mothers.
The Department said the operation was shut down, visas were revoked, and several individuals involved in the fraud were permanently banned from travelling to the United States.
A similar crackdown also took place in North Africa, where a U.S. embassy revoked more than 100 visas of parents who were found to have traveled to the United States primarily to give birth. The Department said consular officers, working with law enforcement and using data analytics, identified several networks abusing the U.S. visa system.
“A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right,” the State Department stated, adding that it will continue taking action around the world to dismantle birth tourism networks and hold accountable those who attempt to abuse the system.
Birth tourism refers to the practice where foreign nationals travel to another country, usually on a visitor visa, to give birth so that the child can acquire citizenship of that country. In the case of the United States, children born on U.S. soil generally acquire U.S. citizenship at birth.
The latest announcement signals a tougher approach by U.S. authorities toward visa applicants suspected of misrepresenting their travel purpose. Travellers seeking U.S. visas are expected to be truthful about the purpose of their visit, as misrepresentation can lead to visa refusal, revocation, or long-term travel bans.
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