The United States has intensified its action against so-called “birth tourism,” revoking hundreds of visas and targeting networks that allegedly help foreign nationals travel to the country primarily to give birth and secure US citizenship for their children.
The US State Department announced on Wednesday that it is strengthening enforcement against visitor visa applicants who misuse the system. Officials said visas could be denied or revoked if childbirth is determined to be the main reason for travel.
Visa misuse under scrutiny
In a series of posts on X, the department said it is increasing efforts to protect the integrity of US citizenship and disrupt organised networks involved in birth tourism.
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“A US visa is a privilege, not a right,” the agency said.
The department added that authorities are working to “stop this abuse, dismantle birth tourism networks, and hold accountable those who try to scam our system.”
According to officials, more than 600 cases have been identified as part of the ongoing enforcement effort.
Under President Trump, the State Department is defending the integrity of U.S. citizenship by ending illegal birth tourism schemes.
— Department of State (@StateDept) June 10, 2026
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.
Networks uncovered across regions
US authorities said investigations carried out by embassies in multiple regions revealed organised schemes involving travel facilitators, coaching services and fraudulent documentation.
In West Africa, officials reported uncovering a “sophisticated birth tourism network” involving more than 100 foreign nationals. The department said participants allegedly relied on fraudulent paperwork and visa “fixers” to gain entry into the US. The visas involved have been revoked, and investigations remain ongoing.
In Europe, investigators identified more than 400 suspected cases since 2024. Officials said at least six companies were allegedly coaching applicants for visa interviews while arranging accommodation and childbirth-related services in the US. Several visas were revoked, and some individuals were permanently barred from entering the country.
In North Africa, more than 100 visas were revoked after authorities identified travellers whose primary purpose was childbirth in the US, according to the department.
Part of broader immigration enforcement
The crackdown aligns with the Trump administration's wider immigration agenda, which has increased scrutiny across several visa categories, including the H1-B programme.
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While birth tourism itself is not illegal in the United States, authorities say concerns arise when applicants conceal their true intentions during visa interviews. Rules strengthened in 2020 direct consular officers to deny visitor visas if they believe giving birth in the US is the primary purpose of travel.
Officials said the latest actions are focused on organised networks rather than isolated cases and are intended to preserve fairness in the visa process.
The issue has also renewed debate over birthright citizenship, which is guaranteed under the 14th Amendment to individuals born on US soil.
FAQs:
What is birth tourism?
Birth tourism refers to travelling to another country, including the US, primarily to give birth so the child obtains citizenship by birth.
Is birth tourism illegal in the United States?
Birth tourism itself is not illegal, but US authorities can deny or revoke visas if applicants misrepresent their travel purpose.
