The United States Department of State says it has moved to stop what it described as “illegal birth tourism schemes” by foreign nationals seeking to obtain US citizenship for their children through travel visas.

The department disclosed this in a statement posted on its official X handle on Wednesday, saying the policy is aimed at protecting the integrity of U.S. citizenship.

It said, “Under President Trump, the State Department is defending the integrity of U.S. citizenship by ending illegal birth tourism schemes.

“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 department said a U.S. embassy in West Africa uncovered what it described as a “sophisticated birth tourism network” involving more than 100 foreign nationals allegedly using fraudulent documents and visa “fixers” to obtain U.S. visas for the purpose of securing citizenship for their children.

“We shut it down, revoked these foreign nationals’ visas, and are coordinating with local authorities to systematically identify and cut off any similar operations,” it added.

It also said that in Europe, a U.S. embassy identified more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases since 2024, adding that investigations linked the cases to at least six companies accused of coaching applicants on visa interview responses, arranging accommodation in the U.S., and organising delivery plans.

“We shut it down, revoked their visas, and permanently banned several fraudsters from travelling to the United States ever again,” the statement said.

The department further stated that a U.S. embassy in North Africa revoked over 100 visas belonging to “birth tourist” parents who allegedly travelled to the U.S. primarily to give birth so their children could acquire citizenship.

It said consular officers, working with law enforcement and using data analytics, identified networks abusing the system and took action to stop them.

“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,” it said. (The PUNCH)

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