The U.S. Department of State, under President Trump and Secretary Rubio's leadership, has revoked more than 600 visas worldwide as part of a crackdown on birth tourism networks, according to a statement published by Legit.ng. The administration emphasizes that citizenship is not a commodity to be acquired through exploitation of U.S. immigration laws.
Birth Tourism Prevention Task Force Established
To strengthen immigration integrity, the State Department has established a Birth Tourism Prevention Task Force. This body reviews visa holders' activities globally, revokes visas of those engaged in birth tourism, and dismantles networks profiting from the practice. By connecting data across federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Task Force addresses birth tourism on a global scale.
The Secretary of State holds broad discretionary authority to revoke visas, and this power is being exercised to safeguard the American people. The Task Force has already revoked more than 600 visas from foreign nationals, demonstrating the administration's commitment to protecting the immigration system.
Birth Tourism as a For-Profit Industry
Facilitators have turned birth tourism into a lucrative industry. Some present themselves as doulas, midwives, or wellness advocates while openly advertising 'birth in the U.S.' services, visa coaching, and hospital arrangements. Others forge medical documents or coach clients to conceal their true travel purpose. Online promotions often promise 'automatic citizenship' and 'a future without borders.'
The Department is actively dismantling these networks and holding participants accountable, recognizing that birth tourism spans nations across every region of the globe.
Birth Tourism Fraud Cases
The Bureau of Consular Affairs Task Force and consular officers at U.S. embassies worldwide are uncovering widespread deception. Foreign nationals who misrepresent their travel purpose may face permanent visa ineligibility.
Examples include: a couple who used conferences and shopping trips as cover stories to give birth to two children in the U.S., whose visas were revoked; a foreign government official who applied for a one-week visa but stayed three months to give birth, whose visa was revoked; and a traveler who applied for a vacation visa to Orlando but instead gave birth in Los Angeles five days after arrival, whose visa was revoked.
These cases highlight the lengths some applicants will go to circumvent immigration laws.
Citizenship Is Not for Sale
The Department of State reiterates that citizenship cannot be obtained through exploitation or evasion of immigration rules. Foreign nationals who abuse the visa system, and those who assist them, risk losing their visas, their access, and their future opportunities in the United States.
Legit.ng earlier reported that the United States government has deported more than three million foreigners in 15 months since President Donald Trump returned to office.
