The United States has intensified efforts to curb what it describes as “birth tourism,” revoking visas and dismantling networks accused of helping foreign nationals travel to America primarily to give birth and secure U.S. citizenship for their children.
In a statement released Wednesday, the U.S. Department of State said the move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to protect the integrity of American citizenship and prevent abuse of the visa system.
The department said obtaining a visitor visa for the main purpose of giving birth in the United States so that a child can acquire citizenship is not permitted under U.S. immigration rules.
According to the State Department, a U.S. embassy in West Africa recently uncovered what it described as a sophisticated birth tourism operation involving more than 100 foreign nationals.
The network allegedly relied on fraudulent documents and visa facilitators to secure travel approvals for expectant parents.
Officials said the operation was shut down and the visas of those involved were revoked. The U.S. is also working with local authorities to identify and dismantle similar networks.
The department disclosed that a separate investigation in Europe uncovered more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases since 2024. Authorities linked the cases to several companies accused of coaching applicants ahead of visa interviews, arranging accommodation in the United States, and helping coordinate childbirth plans.
Those visas were also revoked, while several individuals accused of organising the schemes have been permanently barred from entering the United States.
In North Africa, U.S. officials said more than 100 visas belonging to parents who allegedly travelled to the U.S. primarily to give birth were cancelled following investigations by consular officers and law enforcement agencies.
The State Department said it is increasingly relying on data analytics and international cooperation to identify individuals and organisations exploiting the visa process.
“A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right,” the department said, adding that efforts to dismantle birth tourism networks and hold violators accountable will continue worldwide.
