The United States government has revoked more than 600 visas as part of a nationwide crackdown on “birth tourism” networks allegedly used by foreigners to secure citizenship for their children.
The Department of State announced the action in a post on X on June 10, stating that it is “defending the integrity of U.S. citizenship by ending illegal birth tourism schemes.”
According to the statement, the policy targets foreign nationals who obtain visitor visas primarily to travel to the United States to give birth, thereby securing citizenship for their children under U.S. law.
It warned that such use of tourist visas is not permitted under immigration rules.
The department said more than 100 visas were revoked in West Africa, over 400 in Europe, and more than 100 in North Africa as part of coordinated enforcement actions.
A U.S. embassy in West Africa reportedly uncovered what it described as a coordinated network involving more than 100 individuals who allegedly used fraudulent documents and visa facilitators to obtain travel permission for birth tourism purposes. The operation was subsequently shut down in collaboration with local authorities.
In Europe, investigators reportedly traced more than 400 suspected cases linked to at least six companies accused of coaching applicants for visa interviews, arranging accommodation in the U.S., and organising delivery plans.
In North Africa, officials said over 100 additional visas were revoked after identifying applicants who travelled primarily to give birth in the United States.
The State Department said consular officers used data analysis and intelligence cooperation with law enforcement agencies to identify and disrupt the networks, adding that several individuals involved have been permanently banned from entering the country.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing as part of broader efforts to prevent visa fraud and misuse of U.S. immigration systems.
