The United States Department of State has announced a major crackdown on what it described as illegal birth tourism schemes, targeting foreign nationals who travel to America primarily to give birth and secure U.S. citizenship for their children.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Wednesday, the department said the move is part of efforts by the administration of President Donald Trump to protect the integrity of U.S. citizenship and prevent abuse of the country’s visa system.
“Under President Trump, the State Department is defending the integrity of U.S. citizenship by ending illegal birth tourism schemes,” the statement read.
The department stressed that foreign nationals are not allowed to obtain visitor visas for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to secure citizenship for their children.
According to the statement, a U.S. embassy in West Africa recently uncovered a sophisticated birth tourism network involving more than 100 foreign nationals who allegedly used fraudulent documents and visa facilitators to obtain entry into the United States.
Officials said the operation was dismantled, the visas of those involved were revoked, and investigations are ongoing in collaboration with local authorities to identify and shut down similar networks.
The State Department also disclosed that a U.S. embassy in Europe has identified more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases since 2024. Investigations reportedly linked the cases to at least six companies accused of coaching visa applicants on interview responses, arranging accommodation in the United States, and coordinating childbirth plans.
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As part of the enforcement measures, visas connected to the scheme were cancelled, while several individuals involved were permanently barred from travelling to the United States.
In North Africa, U.S. authorities said they revoked more than 100 visas belonging to parents who allegedly travelled to the country mainly to give birth and obtain citizenship benefits for their children.
The department noted that consular officers, working alongside law enforcement agencies and using advanced data analysis tools, were able to identify networks exploiting the visa process.
Reaffirming its position, the State Department stated that a U.S. visa remains a privilege and not a right, adding that it would continue to take action against individuals and organisations attempting to abuse the 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,” the statement added.
