State Department cracks down on massive birth tourism schemes in Africa, Europe, revokes visitor visas for expectant moms who paid for US citizenship for unborn babies

The US State Department announced a major crackdown on illegal birth tourism schemes after uncovering "sophisticated birth tourism networks" in Africa and Europe. Hundreds of foreign nationals allegedly used fraudulent documents and visa "fixers" to obtain US citizenship for their children, the department said on Wednesday.

Now, their visas have been revoked, and some of the alleged "fraudster" foreign nationals have been permanently banned from entering the United States, according to the department.

 

"Under President Trump, the State Department is defending the integrity of US citizenship by ending illegal birth tourism schemes. No foreigner is permitted to obtain a visitor visa for the primary purpose of acquiring US citizenship for a child by giving birth in the US," the State Department wrote on X.

A US embassy in Europe has reported over 400 suspected incidents of birth tourism since 2024. At least six businesses were linked to the scheme, which coached applicants on what to say during their visa interview, arranged US housing, and set up delivery plans.

In North Africa, another US embassy has revoked more than 100 visas for "birth tourist" parents who came to the US primarily to give birth so their children would receive US citizenship. Additionally, a US embassy in West Africa identified a sophisticated birth tourism network of more than 100 foreign nationals using fraudulent documents to obtain visas for themselves in order to get US citizenship for their children, per the agency.

"A US visa is a privilege, not a right," the State Department said, adding that the agency "is taking action around the world to stop this abuse, dismantle birth tourism networks, and hold accountable those who try to scam our system."

This comes as President Trump signed an Executive Order prohibiting birthright citizenship, otherwise known by critics as anchor babies, which has faced significant legal challenges. A decision from the United States Supreme Court is still forthcoming.