The U.S. State Department affirmed its commitment to crack down on “illegal birth schemes,” announcing the discovery of birth tourism networks across Africa and Europe.
“No foreigner is permitted to obtain a visitor visa for the primary purpose of acquiring U.S. citizenship for a child by giving birth in the U.S,” the State Department shared in a statement on X.
"Sophisticated Birth Tourism Network" in West Africa
According to the department, “a U.S. embassy in West Africa uncovered a sophisticated birth tourism” scheme involving more than 100 foreign nationals. These individuals used false documents and visa “fixers” to obtain visas “in order to get U.S. citizenship for their children."
In response, the Department of State shut down the operation, revoked the foreign nationals’ visas, and has begun coordinating with West African authorities to uncover and end similar networks.
Over 400 Cases in Europe
In Europe, another U.S. embassy found “more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases since 2024." Investigators traced the incidents to at least six companies that instructed applicants on how to perform in their visa interview, arranged housing for them in the U.S., and established delivery plans for the incoming children.
The State Department took the same steps it took in West Africa, additionally permanently barring “several fraudsters” from reentering the U.S.
U.S. Revokes "Birth Tourist" Parents' Visas in North Africa
In North Africa, a U.S. embassy revoked more than 100 visas for “birth tourist” parents who entered the U.S. “primarily” to guarantee their children would obtain U.S. citizenship at birth.
“Consular officers – working with law enforcement and using data analytics – identified several networks abusing the system and put a stop to it,” the department wrote. “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 Department concluded.
