U.S. cracks down on global birth tourism networks, revokes hundreds of visas

Patience Makwele

The United States Department of State says it has dismantled multiple birth tourism networks operating across Africa and Europe, in a global crackdown that has led to the revocation of hundreds of visas.

The action targets foreign nationals accused of abusing the U.S. immigration system by travelling on visitor visas with the primary aim of giving birth in the United States to secure citizenship for their children.

According to the State Department, the operations form part of broader efforts to tighten visa scrutiny worldwide and curb fraudulent use of U.S. travel documentation.

“Under President Trump, the State Department is defending the integrity of U.S. citizenship by ending illegal birth tourism schemes,” the department said, adding that visitor visas are not intended for securing citizenship through childbirth.

The department stressed that “a U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right,” warning that misuse of the system will result in enforcement action and permanent bans.