The United States has launched a sweeping enforcement action targeting what it describes as global birth tourism schemes, with a particular focus on networks operating across Africa.
According to the US Department of State, American embassies have disrupted organised groups accused of helping foreign nationals obtain visitor visas under false pretences in order to travel to the United States and give birth, thereby securing citizenship for their children.
In a statement released on Wednesday, June 10, the department said the administration has moved to block such practices entirely.
“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 statement said.
Officials explained that several coordinated operations were uncovered across different regions. In West Africa, a US embassy reportedly dismantled a network involving more than 100 foreign nationals who allegedly used fake documents and paid visa brokers to obtain entry into the United States.
The embassy said the scheme was shut down, with visas revoked and cooperation underway with local authorities to identify similar operations still in existence. “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.
In North Africa, more than 100 additional visas were revoked from individuals believed to have travelled specifically to give birth in the US.
Authorities said consular officers worked with law enforcement agencies and used data tools to trace organised networks behind the activity before taking action against those involved.
The crackdown was also extended to Europe, where over 400 suspected cases were identified since 2024. Officials said at least six companies were involved in coaching applicants, arranging travel logistics, and organising hospital deliveries in the US. Some individuals were permanently banned from entering the country.
The State Department reiterated that “a US visa is a privilege, not a right,” adding that it will continue efforts to dismantle birth tourism operations globally and penalise those attempting to misuse the system.
