U.S. Warns Against Using Tourist Visas For Childbirth Purposes

• The U.S. government warns against the misuse of tourist visas.
• Using tourist visas primarily for giving birth in the U.S. is prohibited.
• Violating this rule may result in visa denial.

The United States government has issued a fresh warning against the misuse of tourist visas, stating that using such visas with the primary aim of giving birth in the country is prohibited and could lead to denial.

This was made known in a statement shared Monday on the official X (formerly Twitter) page of the US Mission in Nigeria.

“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. Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent,” the statement read in part.

The warning is part of a broader crackdown on birth tourism, where foreign nationals travel to the U.S. to deliver babies who automatically acquire American citizenship.

The U.S. stressed the importance of honesty in visa applications, warning that misrepresenting travel intentions may result in long-term immigration consequences.

The Department of State also confirmed that consular officers have been instructed to deny visa applications if there’s credible evidence suggesting the main purpose of travel is childbirth for citizenship.

What You Should Know

• In January 2025, the U.S. reaffirmed efforts to tighten immigration rules and address abuse of the 14th Amendment’s birthright citizenship clause.
• A 2020 rule restricted visas for pregnant foreigners, including Nigerians, intending to give birth in the U.S. for citizenship purposes.
• In 2025, former President Donald Trump maintained that children born to undocumented immigrants should not automatically gain citizenship.

While U.S. law still grants citizenship to babies born on American soil, this should not be the main reason for entering the country on a tourist visa, officials said.

The U.S. also recently cautioned visitors against overstaying their visas, noting that violators may face permanent bans and criminal prosecution.

These moves reflect Washington’s growing efforts to strengthen immigration controls and prevent abuse, especially in regions with high rates of visa violations.