US Intensifies Action Against Birth Tourism Rings
Coordinated operations across Europe and Africa uncover visa fraud schemes linked to citizenship-seeking travel.
Washington, Jun 11: The United States has dismantled multiple overseas networks accused of facilitating “birth tourism” and revoked visas of hundreds of foreign nationals who allegedly travelled to the country primarily to give birth and secure American citizenship for their children.
The action forms part of the Trump administration’s wider push to tighten immigration enforcement and prevent misuse of the visa system.
In a series of statements posted on X, the US State Department said its embassies in Europe, West Africa and North Africa uncovered organised operations that assisted applicants in obtaining visitor visas under false pretences.
According to the department, investigations in Europe identified more than 400 suspected cases since 2024 and linked them to at least six companies that coached applicants for visa interviews, arranged accommodation in the United States and coordinated childbirth-related travel plans. Authorities said the networks have since been shut down.
US diplomatic missions in West and North Africa reported uncovering similar arrangements. In one West African nation, officials detected a large-scale operation involving over 100 individuals who allegedly relied on fraudulent documentation and visa intermediaries to travel to the United States.
The State Department said visas connected to the scheme were revoked and efforts are underway with local authorities to identify and prevent comparable activities.
In North Africa, more than 100 visas were cancelled for parents found to have travelled mainly for childbirth-related purposes, the department added.
American officials said consular staff, working alongside law-enforcement agencies and using data-driven investigations, identified several networks exploiting visitor visa provisions.
Reiterating its position, the State Department said visitor visas cannot be used for the primary purpose of obtaining citizenship benefits for a child born in the United States, adding that those involved in fraudulent practices could face permanent travel bans.
The development comes amid an ongoing legal and political debate over birthright citizenship. Shortly after beginning his second term, President Donald Trump signed an executive order seeking to deny automatic citizenship to certain children born in the United States to parents without permanent legal status.
The order remains blocked after multiple federal courts ruled it likely violates constitutional protections. The issue is now before the US Supreme Court, which is expected to deliver its verdict in the coming months.
