LAGOS JUNE 11TH (NEWSRANGERS)-The U.S. State Department said it has begun revoking visas of people who entered the country on tourist visas to give birth.
The department announced Wednesday that it has launched an offensive against individuals and international networks involved in what is known as “birth tourism” — a practice in which foreign nationals seek to enter the country on visitor visas with the primary purpose of giving birth so their children can obtain U.S. citizenship.
According to the federal agency, a U.S. embassy in West Africa uncovered a network of more than 100 foreigners who allegedly used fraudulent documents and visa “brokers” to obtain travel permits. Authorities indicated that the visas were revoked and that they are working with local authorities to identify similar operations.
In Europe, another embassy identified more than 400 suspicious cases since 2024. Investigators linked those cases to at least six companies that, according to the State Department, advised applicants on what to say during consular interviews, coordinated housing in the United States and arranged birth plans.
The agency also reported that another embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas from individuals flagged as “birth tourists.” Consular officials, working in coordination with security agencies and through data analysis and cross-referencing, identified several networks and individuals abusing the immigration system.
“A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right,” the State Department said, warning that it will continue taking action to dismantle these operations and hold accountable those who attempt to defraud the system, according to a post on the federal agency’s social media.
Visitor visas, such as B-1/B-2 visas, cannot be used when the primary purpose of the trip is to give birth in the United States to obtain citizenship for a child. Consular authorities can deny or revoke visas if they determine there was fraud, misrepresentation of information or misuse of the process.
The announcement comes amid increased federal government scrutiny of visa applications linked to potential birth tourism schemes. So far, the State Department has not publicly identified the specific countries where the alleged networks operated.
NBCDFW
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