The United States government has announced that it will deny visa applications from foreign nationals whose primary reason for travel is to give birth on American soil in order to obtain U.S. citizenship for their children, a practice commonly referred to as birth tourism.
In a statement released on Monday by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, consular officers have been directed to refuse visas if there is credible evidence that the main intent of the applicant is to deliver a baby in the United States. The mission emphasized that this use of a visa is not permitted under current U.S. immigration rules.
“Using your visa to travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that your child will have U.S. citizenship is not permitted,” the statement read. “Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent.”
The message was also shared on social media, accompanied by an image bearing the words, “we will deny your visa if we believe your primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to get U.S. citizenship for your child. This is not accepted.”
The United States grants automatic citizenship to any child born within its borders under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. While this constitutional provision remains intact, it has led to growing concerns over its exploitation by individuals and organized agencies who arrange birth tourism services for substantial fees.
Authorities have increasingly cracked down on individuals and companies involved in facilitating birth tourism, particularly in cases involving misrepresentation on visa applications. The new directive is part of efforts to maintain the integrity of the U.S. visa system and prevent abuse.
The latest measure has drawn attention in countries like Nigeria, where some expectant mothers seek U.S. citizenship for their children through travel. The U.S. government has reiterated that visa misuse can result in denial, revocation, and potential bans on future travel to the United States.
