The United States government has intensified its crackdown on birth tourism, revoking more than 600 visas issued to foreign nationals, including some Nigerians, who allegedly traveled to the country primarily to give birth in order to secure U.S. citizenship for their children.
The move forms part of a broader effort by the administration of President Donald Trump to combat what it describes as the abuse of America’s immigration and citizenship systems.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the U.S. Department of State said it was taking decisive steps to protect the integrity of U.S. citizenship by dismantling illegal birth tourism operations across several regions of the world.
According to the department, U.S. immigration laws do not permit foreign nationals to obtain visitor visas for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that their children can automatically acquire American citizenship.
The department revealed that more than 100 visas linked to birth tourism schemes were revoked in West Africa, while over 400 visas were cancelled in Europe and another 100 in North Africa.
Providing details of the enforcement actions, the State Department disclosed that a U.S. embassy in West Africa uncovered a sophisticated network involving more than 100 foreign nationals who allegedly used fraudulent documents and visa facilitators, commonly referred to as “fixers,” to secure visas for birth tourism purposes.
Following investigations, the visas were revoked and the operation dismantled. The embassy also worked closely with local authorities to identify and prevent similar activities within the region.
“In Europe, investigators traced more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases since 2024 to at least six companies,” the department stated.
The firms were accused of coaching visa applicants on how to answer questions during embassy interviews, arranging accommodation in the United States, and coordinating childbirth plans for their clients.
Authorities said the implicated operations have since been shut down, while several individuals involved in the schemes have been permanently barred from entering the United States.
The State Department further disclosed that a U.S. embassy in North Africa cancelled more than 100 visas issued to parents who traveled to the United States primarily to give birth.
According to the department, consular officers collaborated with law enforcement agencies and employed data analytics tools to identify networks exploiting the visa system.
“Consular officers working with law enforcement and using data analytics identified several networks abusing the system and put a stop to it,” the department said.
The latest enforcement action signals Washington’s growing determination to curb visa fraud and prevent the exploitation of U.S. birthright citizenship laws through organized birth tourism schemes.
READ ALSO:
- ‘Fame Came at a Cost’ – Mercy Eke Opens Up on Why She Regrets Joining BBNaija
- ‘I’m Alive And Healthy’ – Nollywood Actor Owolabi Ajasa Dismisses Viral Death Rumours
- Shettima Travels To Sierra Leone To Represent Tinubu At ECOWAS Summit
- Christian Groups Oppose Bill Seeking to Penalise Preaching in Commercial Buses
- How Police Tracked and Arrested Alleged PFIPC ‘Fake DG’ Adeniyi Adeyemi
