The State Department has identified and disrupted multiple birth tourism networks operating across West Africa, Europe, and North Africa, revoking visas and coordinating with local authorities to dismantle the operations.
U.S. embassies uncovered evidence of schemes designed to help foreign nationals travel to the United States specifically to give birth and secure American citizenship for their children. The enforcement action represents a coordinated effort to combat what officials describe as a systematic abuse of the visa system.
What Investigators Found
A U.S. embassy in Europe identified more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases dating back to 2024. Investigators linked the activity to at least six companies that were coaching visa applicants on interview questions, arranging accommodations and coordinating childbirth plans in the United States.
A separate U.S. embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas issued to individuals suspected of traveling to the country for the primary purpose of giving birth. State Department consular officers partnered with law enforcement and used data analysis tools to identify the networks.
Government Response
The State Department revoked visas and imposed permanent travel bans on several individuals accused of participating in the schemes.
