Nigerians among foreign nationals affected as US revokes birth tourism visas

The United States government has launched a major crackdown on alleged birth tourism networks, revoking more than 600 visas issued to foreign nationals accused of using the system to secure U.S. citizenship for their children.

The Department of State disclosed the development in a post on its official X handle, stating that the action was part of efforts under President Donald Trump’s administration to “defend the integrity of U.S. citizenship by ending illegal birth tourism schemes.”

Birth tourism refers to the practice where foreign nationals travel to the United States primarily to give birth so their children can automatically acquire U.S. citizenship under the country’s birthright citizenship policy.

According to the department, more than 100 visas were revoked in West Africa, over 400 in Europe, and more than 100 in North Africa as part of coordinated enforcement actions targeting what it described as organised abuse of the U.S. visa system.

Officials said the operations involved coordinated networks that facilitated travel arrangements, falsified documentation, and coached applicants on how to obtain visitor visas under false pretences.

The department stated that no foreign national is permitted to obtain a U.S. visitor visa primarily for the purpose of giving birth in the country.

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In West Africa, the U.S. embassy reportedly uncovered what it described as a sophisticated network involving more than 100 foreign nationals who allegedly used fraudulent documents and third-party “fixers” to obtain visas for birth tourism purposes.

According to the State Department, the visas issued to individuals linked to the scheme were revoked, and the operation was dismantled in coordination with local authorities.

Officials added that investigations are ongoing to identify additional individuals and similar networks operating across the region.

In Europe, U.S. investigators reportedly traced more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases since 2024, linking them to at least six companies accused of facilitating the scheme.

These firms were alleged to have coached applicants on visa interview responses, arranged accommodation in the United States, and coordinated delivery plans for expectant mothers traveling primarily for childbirth.

The State Department said all identified visas linked to the operations were revoked, and several individuals involved in the facilitation networks were permanently banned from entering the United States.

In North Africa, more than 100 visas were also revoked after consular officers identified applicants who had allegedly travelled to the United States primarily for childbirth with the intention of securing citizenship for their children.

The department said the enforcement action was based on intelligence sharing, data analytics, and cooperation between consular officers and law enforcement agencies.

The State Department said it has intensified monitoring mechanisms to detect visa fraud and prevent abuse of the immigration system.

It noted that the crackdown was made possible through enhanced data analysis tools and closer coordination between U.S. embassies and security agencies.

“Consular officers working with law enforcement and using data analytics identified several networks abusing the system and put a stop to it,” the department stated.

Officials also confirmed that individuals and facilitators involved in the schemes have been permanently barred from entering the United States.

The move reflects a broader tightening of U.S. immigration enforcement policies, particularly around non-immigrant visa categories suspected of being misused for long-term settlement purposes.