The United States Department of State has announced new measures aimed at stopping what it called illegal “birth tourism” practices involving foreign nationals who travel to the country to secure citizenship for their children.
The department made its position known in a statement published on its official X account on Wednesday, June 10, stating that the policy is designed to safeguard the integrity of United States citizenship laws.
It stressed that visitor visas must not be used for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States in order to obtain citizenship for a child.
It said, “Under President Trump, the State Department is defending the integrity of U.S. citizenship by ending illegal birth tourism schemes.
“No foreigner is permitted to obtain a visitor visa for the primary purpose of acquiring U.S. citizenship for a child by giving birth in the U.S.”
According to the department, a U.S. embassy in West Africa uncovered what it described as a “sophisticated birth tourism network” allegedly involving more than 100 foreign nationals.
The individuals were said to have used fraudulent documents and intermediaries described as “fixers” to obtain visas for the purpose of childbirth in the United States.
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“We shut it down, revoked these foreign nationals’ visas, and are coordinating with local authorities to systematically identify and cut off any similar operations,” it added.
The department also reported similar findings in Europe, where a U.S. embassy allegedly identified more than 400 suspected cases of birth tourism since 2024.
It said the cases were linked to at least six companies accused of coaching applicants on visa interviews, arranging accommodation in the United States, and planning delivery logistics.
“We shut it down, revoked their visas, and permanently banned several fraudsters from travelling to the United States ever again,” the statement said.
In another case, a U.S. embassy in North Africa reportedly revoked over 100 visas issued to individuals described as “birth tourist” parents who allegedly travelled primarily to give birth so their children could obtain citizenship.
The department said consular officers, working with law enforcement agencies and using data analytics, had been able to identify and dismantle networks exploiting the visa system.
“A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right. The State Department is taking action around the world to stop this abuse, dismantle birth tourism networks, and hold accountable those who try to scam our system,” it said.