US Department of State uncovers fraudulent birth tourism network

The United States (US) Department of State has recently uncovered a “sophisticated birth tourism network” involving more than 100 foreign nationals.

As noted in its X handle, these individuals allegedly used fraudulent documents and visa “fixers” to obtain entry into the United States specifically to give birth.

This comes as the US launched a global crackdown on what it terms “illegal birth tourism schemes” by foreign nationals attempting to secure US citizenship for their children via travel visas.

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The department announced the policy on stating that the measures are designed to safeguard the integrity of American citizenship.

The State Department noted:
“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”.

“We shut it down, revoked these foreign nationals’ visas, and are coordinating with local authorities to systematically identify and cut off any similar operations,” the Department added.

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A similar operation was intercepted in Europe, where a US embassy identified more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases since 2024. Investigations linked these cases to at least six companies accused of coaching applicants on visa interview responses, arranging accommodation within the US, and organising hospital delivery plans.

The statement continued:
“We shut it down, revoked their visas, and permanently banned several fraudsters from travelling to the United States ever again.”

Furthermore, a US embassy in North Africa revoked over 100 visas belonging to parents who had allegedly travelled to America primarily for childbirth.

Consular officers, collaborating with law enforcement agencies and utilising data analytics, identified the networks abusing the visa system and took decisive action.

Emphasising its stance, the department concluded that the US visa is a privilege, and not a right, therefore the State Department will continue to take action around the world to stop its abuse by dismantle birth tourism networks, and holding those who try to scam our system accountable.

Ngozi Ekugo

Ngozi Ekugo is a Senior Correspondent at BusinessDay. She holds a Masters in management from the University of Lagos, an undergraduate from University of Lagos, and is in an alumni of Queen's College. Shes currently an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM). She has a brief experience at Goldman sachs, London in its Human Capital Management division. She is interested in human capital development and is leveraging her varied experience across sectors to report labour and global mobility trends for stakeholders to make informed decisions.