WASHINGTON, D.C.- The United States Department of State has announced a global crackdown on so-called “birth tourism” schemes, saying it has dismantled multiple networks accused of helping foreign nationals obtain U.S. visas primarily to give birth in the United States so their children can acquire American citizenship.
In a statement, the State Department said the initiative 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.
According to the department, U.S. law does not permit foreigners to obtain visitor visas for the primary purpose of traveling to the United States to give birth and secure citizenship for their children.
The State Department said a U.S. embassy in West Africa uncovered a birth tourism network involving more than 100 foreign nationals who allegedly used fraudulent documents and visa facilitators, commonly known as “fixers,” to secure visas.
Officials said the operation was dismantled, the visas revoked, and local authorities engaged to identify and stop similar activities.
The department also reported that a U.S. embassy in Europe identified more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases since 2024.
Investigators linked the cases to at least six companies accused of coaching applicants on how to answer questions during visa interviews, arranging accommodation in the United States and organizing childbirth plans.
The State Department said visas connected to the operation were revoked and several individuals involved in facilitating the scheme were permanently barred from traveling to the United States.
In North Africa, U.S. officials said more than 100 visas were revoked after investigations found that applicants had traveled to the United States primarily to give birth in order to secure U.S. citizenship for their children.
The department said consular officers worked with law enforcement agencies and used data analytics to identify networks suspected of exploiting the visa system.
“A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right,” the State Department said, adding that efforts are ongoing to dismantle birth tourism operations and hold accountable individuals involved in visa fraud.
The announcement comes amid broader immigration and visa enforcement measures by the Trump administration, which has pledged stricter oversight of immigration processes and enhanced scrutiny of visa applications.
While children born on U.S. soil generally acquire American citizenship under the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, federal authorities maintain that obtaining a visitor visa under false pretenses constitutes immigration fraud and may lead to visa revocation and future travel bans
