U.S. Cracks Down on Nigerians Seeking Birthright Citizenship

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has issued a clear directive to visa applicants. Nigerians planning to travel for childbirth in the U.S. to secure citizenship for their children will face strict visa denial.

On Monday, July 28, 2025, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria posted an official warning on X (formerly Twitter).

It explained that Nigerians who use visas primarily to give birth in the United States violate immigration rules.

“Using your visa to travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States is not allowed,” the U.S. government said.

“Consular officers will deny your visa if they suspect this intent,” the notice continued.

The embassy issued this warning due to rising concerns over birth tourism. Many Nigerians travel to the U.S. during pregnancy in hopes of gaining automatic citizenship for their babies. The U.S. government considers such motives as misuse of visas.

During Donald Trump’s presidency, immigration enforcement became more aggressive. He signed executive orders to end birthright citizenship, even though courts blocked the orders.

His policies, however, continue to shape how immigration officers approach such cases.

The embassy now applies tighter scrutiny during visa interviews. Visa officers examine travel plans closely.

If they detect a birth-related motive, they deny the application.

The U.S. also reduced visa durations for Nigerians. Before now, non-immigrant and unofficial visas lasted five years. Now, they only last three months.

This affects many Nigerian travelers and families who visit the U.S. often.

Officials continue to urge applicants to remain honest about their travel purposes.

Attempting to hide pregnancy or mislead visa officers could result in a ban. Repeat offenders may face long-term entry restrictions.

The embassy clarified that these policies aim to protect the U.S. immigration system.

Even though birth tourism does not violate criminal laws, the U.S. no longer accepts it as a valid reason for travel.

In conclusion, Nigerians should understand the visa system’s new direction.

The country seeks honest, legal travel and clear respect for immigration guidelines.

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