US Revokes Over 600 Visas Over Birth Tourism

The United States government has taken action against foreign nationals involved in birth tourism, revoking more than 600 visas issued through schemes designed to help children gain American citizenship by being born in the country.

Naija News reports that the decision was announced by the U.S. Department of State on Tuesday.

The department said the action is part of efforts by the administration of President Donald Trump to stop illegal birth tourism operations and protect the integrity of the country’s citizenship system.

According to the department, foreign nationals are not allowed to obtain visitor visas mainly for the purpose of travelling to the United States to give birth.

Authorities said investigations uncovered several organised networks that helped applicants secure visas under false pretences.

The department revealed that over 100 visas linked to the practice were cancelled in West Africa.

More than 400 visas were also revoked in Europe, while another 100 were cancelled in North Africa.

Officials said a U.S. embassy in West Africa discovered a well-organised group involving more than 100 foreign nationals who allegedly used fake documents and visa agents to obtain travel permits.

Following the discovery, the visas were cancelled and the operation was dismantled. The embassy also worked with local authorities to trace other related cases.

In Europe, investigators reportedly linked more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases recorded since 2024 to at least six companies.

The firms were accused of helping applicants prepare misleading answers for visa interviews, arranging accommodation in the United States and organising plans for childbirth after arrival.

The State Department said the visas connected to the scheme had been cancelled, the operations shut down and several individuals involved permanently barred from entering the United States.

In North Africa, authorities also revoked more than 100 visas issued to parents who travelled mainly to give birth in the United States so their children could automatically obtain American citizenship.

The department said consular officers worked closely with law enforcement agencies and relied on data analysis tools to identify networks that were taking advantage of the visa system.

U.S. authorities maintained that obtaining an American visa is a privilege rather than an entitlement.

The department added that efforts are continuing across different regions of the world to dismantle birth tourism networks and punish those found violating immigration rules.