The United States Department of State says it is intensifying efforts to combat birth tourism schemes, which it says are being used by foreign nationals seeking U.S. citizenship for their children through birth on American soil.
According to U.S. authorities, embassies around the world have uncovered and dismantled several organized networks that allegedly assisted visa applicants in obtaining entry into the United States under false pretenses.
In West Africa, a U.S. embassy identified a sophisticated birth tourism operation involving more than 100 foreign nationals who reportedly used fraudulent documents and visa facilitators to secure visas. U.S. officials say the scheme has been shut down, the visas revoked, and investigations are ongoing in collaboration with local authorities to identify similar operations.
In Europe, American officials reported uncovering more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases since 2024. Investigators linked the cases to at least six companies accused of coaching visa applicants, arranging accommodation in the United States, and coordinating childbirth plans. Authorities say visas connected to the operation have been revoked, while several individuals implicated in the scheme have been permanently barred from entering the United States.
Meanwhile, a U.S. embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas issued to individuals who allegedly traveled primarily to give birth in the United States. Officials said consular officers worked alongside law enforcement agencies and used data analytics to identify networks exploiting the visa system.
The State Department emphasized that a U.S. visa is a privilege and not a right, stressing that it will continue efforts to dismantle birth tourism networks, prevent visa fraud, and enforce immigration laws.
U.S. authorities say the measures are part of a broader strategy to protect the integrity of the country’s immigration and citizenship systems.
