US Revokes 600+ Visas Over ‘Birth Tourism’ Crackdown

According to Ireporter Online, the decision was announced by the United States Department of State on Tuesday, stating that the enforcement action forms part of broader efforts under the administration of former President Donald Trump to curb abuses of the immigration system and safeguard the integrity of US citizenship laws.

The department explained that foreign nationals are not permitted to obtain visitor visas primarily for the purpose of travelling to the United States to give birth, noting that investigations uncovered coordinated networks that allegedly helped applicants obtain visas through deceptive means. Authorities said over 100 visas linked to such activities were cancelled in West Africa, more than 400 in Europe, and over 100 in North Africa.

Officials further disclosed that a US embassy in West Africa uncovered an organised group of more than 100 foreign nationals who allegedly used falsified documents and visa agents to secure entry into the country. Following the discovery, the visas were revoked, the network dismantled, and further collaboration was initiated with local authorities to track related cases.

In Europe, investigators reportedly tied more than 400 suspected cases since 2024 to at least six companies accused of assisting applicants with misleading visa interview responses, arranging accommodation in the United States, and coordinating childbirth plans upon arrival. These operations were subsequently shut down, with individuals involved barred from entering the country.

In North Africa, authorities also cancelled more than 100 visas issued to individuals believed to have travelled primarily to give birth in order to secure automatic citizenship for their children. The State Department noted that consular officers, working alongside law enforcement agencies, used data analysis tools to detect and disrupt the networks exploiting the visa system.

US authorities reiterated that obtaining a visa is a privilege rather than a right, adding that enforcement efforts will continue globally to dismantle birth tourism operations and penalize those found violating immigration regulations.