US bans Nigerians, others in ‘birth tourism’ visa fight

The United States government has intensified efforts to curb what it describes as “birth tourism,” announcing a global crackdown on foreign nationals who use visitor visas to give birth in America with the aim of securing U.S. citizenship for their children.

The move was disclosed on Wednesday by the United States Department of State in a statement posted on its official X account.

According to the department, the policy forms part of the administration’s broader efforts to safeguard the integrity of American citizenship and prevent abuse of the country’s immigration system.

It stressed that obtaining a visitor visa primarily for the purpose of giving birth in the United States to secure citizenship for a child violates U.S. immigration rules.

“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 disclosed that a U.S. embassy in West Africa recently uncovered what it described as a sophisticated birth tourism operation involving more than 100 foreign nationals.

According to the statement, the individuals allegedly relied on fraudulent documentation and visa facilitators to secure entry into the United States.

American authorities said the operation was dismantled, while the visas of those involved were revoked.

The department added that it is working closely with local authorities to identify and disrupt similar networks operating in the region.

In a related development, U.S. officials said investigations in Europe uncovered more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases since 2024.

The cases were reportedly linked to at least six companies accused of coaching visa applicants on how to answer interview questions, arranging accommodation in the United States and coordinating childbirth plans.

Authorities said the visas of affected individuals were revoked, while several facilitators were permanently barred from travelling to the United States.

The State Department also revealed that a U.S. embassy in North Africa cancelled more than 100 visas issued to individuals suspected of travelling to America mainly to give birth and secure citizenship benefits for their children.

According to the agency, consular officers, working alongside law enforcement authorities and using data-driven investigations, identified networks allegedly exploiting the visa system and took steps to dismantle them.

Reaffirming its position, the department warned that access to a U.S. visa remains a privilege rather than a right.

“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,” the statement added.

The latest action signals a tougher stance by U.S. authorities against visa fraud and immigration-related abuses, particularly schemes designed to exploit citizenship provisions through temporary travel arrangements.