By Stephen Simon
The United States government has launched a global crackdown on what it described as illegal “birth tourism” schemes, revoking more than 600 visas linked to foreign nationals who allegedly sought to obtain American citizenship for their children through fraudulent means.
The U.S. Department of State disclosed the development in a statement posted on its official X account, saying the action forms part of efforts by the administration of President Donald Trump to protect the integrity of U.S. citizenship.
According to the department, no foreign national is permitted to obtain a visitor visa primarily for the purpose of giving birth in the United States so that a child can automatically acquire U.S. citizenship.
The State Department said a U.S. embassy in West Africa uncovered a sophisticated birth tourism network involving more than 100 foreign nationals who allegedly used fraudulent documents and visa “fixers” to secure visas for travel to the United States. The visas were subsequently revoked, while authorities moved to dismantle the operation.
It further disclosed that investigators in Europe identified more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases dating back to 2024. The cases were traced to at least six companies accused of coaching visa applicants on how to answer questions during visa interviews, arranging accommodation in the United States and coordinating childbirth plans.
In North Africa, U.S. officials revoked more than 100 visas issued to parents who allegedly travelled to the United States primarily to give birth so their children could obtain American citizenship.
The department said consular officers, working alongside law enforcement agencies and using data analytics, identified several networks exploiting the visa system and moved to shut them down. It added that some individuals involved in the schemes have been permanently barred from entering the United States
“Under President Trump, the State Department is defending the integrity of U.S. citizenship by ending illegal birth tourism schemes,” the department stated, warning that attempts to abuse the immigration system would attract sanctions.
The crackdown is part of a broader immigration enforcement agenda by the Trump administration, which has intensified scrutiny of visa applications and strengthened efforts to combat visa fraud and unlawful migration pathways.
The State Department stressed that a U.S. visa remains “a privilege, not a right,” and vowed to continue dismantling birth tourism networks worldwide while holding accountable those who seek to exploit the system.
