The United States government has launched a major enforcement action against birth tourism networks and revoked more than 600 visas.
The development was announced by the U.S. Department of State, which said the action was aimed at protecting the integrity of American citizenship laws.
Moreover, authorities revealed that several organised networks operating across different regions had been uncovered and dismantled.
The US Birth Tourism crackdown has already affected hundreds of visa holders in West Africa, Europe, and North Africa. Consequently, concerns are growing among individuals who previously relied on such arrangements to secure U.S. citizenship benefits for their children.
According to the Department of State, the operation was carried out after investigators identified several networks allegedly helping foreign nationals obtain visitor visas for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States.
The department stated: “Under President Trump, the State Department is defending the integrity of U.S. citizenship by ending illegal birth tourism schemes.”
It further stressed: “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.”
Officials disclosed that a U.S. embassy in West Africa uncovered a sophisticated operation involving more than 100 foreign nationals. The individuals were said to have used fraudulent documents and visa facilitators to obtain travel approvals.
As a result, the visas were revoked and the operation was shut down. Furthermore, local authorities were engaged to help identify related cases.
Meanwhile, investigations in Europe uncovered an even larger network. Authorities said more than 400 suspected cases were traced to at least six companies operating since 2024.
According to the department, the firms allegedly coached applicants on how to answer visa interview questions. In addition, housing arrangements and childbirth plans in the United States were reportedly organised for clients.
The department stated: “In Europe, investigators traced more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases since 2024 to at least six companies. The firms were said to have coached applicants on visa interview responses, arranged housing in the U.S and set up delivery plans.”
Moreover, officials confirmed that several individuals involved in the schemes have been permanently barred from entering the United States.
In North Africa, another embassy-led investigation reportedly resulted in the cancellation of over 100 visas linked to birth tourism activities. These travellers were believed to have entered the U.S. mainly to give birth and secure citizenship for their children.
The department added: “Consular officers working with law enforcement and using data analytics identified several networks abusing the system and put a stop to it.”
The US Birth Tourism Crackdown highlights Washington’s growing focus on visa compliance and immigration enforcement.
