The United States Department of State has intensified efforts to dismantle what it describes as illegal “birth tourism” schemes, revoked hundreds of visas and targeting networks that allegedly help foreign nationals travel to America primarily to give birth and secure U.S. citizenship for their children.
- +US cracks down on birth tourism networks, revokes hundreds of visas worldwide
The department disclosed the development in a statement on its official X account on Wednesday, saying the crackdown forms part of the administration’s efforts to protect the integrity of American citizenship and prevent abuse of the U.S.
The department disclosed the development in a statement on its official X account on Wednesday, saying the crackdown forms part of the administration’s efforts to protect the integrity of American citizenship and prevent abuse of the U.S. visa system.
According to the department, foreign nationals are prohibited from obtaining visitor visas for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to secure citizenship benefits for their children.
“Under President Trump, the State Department is defending the integrity of U.S. citizenship by ending illegal birth tourism schemes.
It added: “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”, the statement said.
The State Department revealed that a U.S. embassy in West Africa recently uncovered what it described as a sophisticated birth tourism network involving more than 100 foreign nationals.
According to the department, the individuals allegedly relied on fraudulent documentation and visa “fixers” to secure travel visas under false pretences, with the ultimate aim of having children born on U.S. soil.
Officials said the operation was dismantled after investigations uncovered the network’s activities.
“We shut it down, revoked these foreign nationals’ visas, and are coordinating with local authorities to systematically identify and cut off any similar operations,” the department stated.
The State Department disclosed that a U.S. embassy in Europe identified more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases since 2024.
Investigators reportedly traced the cases to at least six companies accused of facilitating the scheme.
The companies were said to have coached visa applicants on how to answer questions during consular interviews, arranged accommodation in the United States, and organised medical and delivery plans for expectant mothers.
U.S. authorities said enforcement actions were subsequently taken against those involved.
“We shut it down, revoked their visas, and permanently banned several fraudsters from travelling to the United States ever again,” the department said.
In North Africa, officials said another major operation led to the revocation of more than 100 visas belonging to individuals identified as “birth tourist” parents.
The department alleged that the affected visa holders travelled to the United States primarily to give birth, allowing their children to obtain American citizenship by virtue of birth on U.S. territory.
It said consular officers worked closely with law enforcement agencies and employed data analytics tools to identify patterns, track networks, and expose individuals abusing the visa system.
The State Department maintained that it would continue to pursue similar cases globally, warning that misuse of visitor visas could lead to visa revocations, travel bans, and other sanctions.
“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 said.
