Authorities dismantle international visa fraud networks as Trump administration moves to stop foreigners from seeking U.S. citizenship for children through birth tourism.
The United States Department of State has launched a major crackdown on what it describes as illegal birth tourism schemes, revoking hundreds of visas and dismantling networks accused of helping foreign nationals secure U.S. citizenship for their children through visitor visas.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Wednesday, the department said the action is part of efforts by President Donald Trump’s administration to protect the integrity of American citizenship.
“Under President Trump, the State Department is defending the integrity of U.S. citizenship by ending illegal birth tourism schemes,” the statement said.
The department stressed that foreign nationals are not allowed to obtain visitor visas primarily for the purpose of giving birth in the United States so their children can automatically acquire U.S. citizenship.
According to the statement, a U.S. embassy in West Africa recently uncovered a sophisticated birth tourism network involving more than 100 foreign nationals allegedly using fraudulent documents and visa facilitators to gain entry into the United States.
Officials said the operation was shut down, the visas of those involved were revoked, and investigations are ongoing in collaboration with local authorities to identify and dismantle similar networks.
In Europe, American authorities reportedly identified more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases since 2024. Investigators linked the cases to several companies accused of coaching applicants for visa interviews, arranging accommodation in the U.S., and coordinating childbirth plans.
The State Department said the companies’ operations have been disrupted, visas revoked, and several individuals permanently barred from entering the United States.
A similar enforcement action was also carried out in North Africa, where more than 100 visas belonging to alleged birth tourists were revoked after authorities determined that the travelers had entered the U.S. mainly to give birth.
The department said consular officers used data analytics and intelligence-sharing with law enforcement agencies to identify and target networks abusing the visa system.
“A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right,” the statement added, warning that the government would continue taking action against individuals and organizations involved in birth tourism fraud worldwide.