State Department Reports Dismantling Multiple Birth Tourism Networks

The State Department said it had identified and stopped multiple transnational networks that arranged for foreign nationals to give birth in the United States. Three separate investigations uncovered coordinated operations that moved expectant mothers into the country to obtain U.S. citizenship for their children.

Consular officers working with law enforcement used data analytics to locate the networks, the department stated. One operation based in West Africa involved more than 100 foreign nationals who produced fraudulent documents and manipulated visas. A similar scheme was reported in North Africa.

Officials said they revoked the visas of the individuals involved and began coordinating with local authorities to identify and halt any remaining operations. A separate U.S. embassy in Europe examined companies on the continent that were linked to more than 400 suspected illicit citizenship arrangements.

The department stated that consular officers will deny B visa applications when there is reason to believe the primary purpose is to give birth in the United States. It described a U.S. visa as a privilege, not a right.

tourism involves noncitizens traveling to secure U.S. citizenship for children born on American soil. The children are typically returned to their parents' home countries after birth. Customs and Border Protection guidance directs officers to deny visas when birth in the United States appears to be the main intent.

The department noted that foreign governments could potentially use the practice to recruit individuals raised overseas with formal U.S. ties but limited connection to the country.