The United States Department of State has announced a sweeping global crackdown on illegal “birth tourism” schemes, resulting in the revocation of hundreds of visas across West Africa, North Africa, and Europe.
In a statement posted on its official social media handle, the Department emphasised that under President Donald Trump, Washington is taking decisive action to protect the integrity of American citizenship. The directive strictly bars foreign nationals from securing visitor visas with the primary intention of giving birth on US soil so their children can acquire citizenship.
According to the State Department, a US embassy in West Africa recently dismantled a sophisticated network involving more than 100 foreign nationals. The individuals reportedly relied on fraudulent documents and visa “fixers” to obtain travel permits for the sole purpose of securing US citizenship for their newborns.
“We shut it down, revoked these foreign nationals’ visas, and are coordinating with local authorities to systematically identify and cut off any similar operations,” the statement read.
A similar operation in North Africa saw another US embassy revoke over 100 visas belonging to parents who travelled to the United States primarily for childbirth. Consular officers, working alongside law enforcement and utilising data analytics, uncovered multiple networks exploiting the immigration system and moved swiftly to halt their activities.
In Europe, investigators attached to a US embassy flagged more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases dating back to 2024. Inquiries traced the applicants to at least six firms that coached clients on how to answer visa interview questions, arranged accommodation in the US, and organised hospital delivery plans. Authorities have since shut down the operation, cancelled the associated visas, and issued permanent travel bans against several individuals found culpable of fraud.
Reiterating its stance on immigration compliance, the State Department warned prospective travellers against abusing the visa process.
“A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right. The State Department is taking action around the world to stop this abuse, dismantle birth tourism networks, and hold accountable those who try to scam our system,” the statement concluded.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana