US cracks down on ‘birth tourism’ in visa policy shift

The US State Department has announced a new crackdown on “birth tourism,” declaring that consular officers will deny tourist visa applications deemed intended solely for giving birth in the United States.

In a statement issued by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the department said the practice – where foreign nationals travel to the US to give birth so their child gains US citizenship – is “unacceptable” and places an undue burden on American taxpayers.

“It is unacceptable for foreign parents to use a US tourist visa solely to give birth in the United States and obtain citizenship for their child, which could result in US taxpayers paying for medical expenses,” the statement read.

Officials warned that individuals who engage in or facilitate birth tourism may be deemed ineligible for future US visas or travel. The move is framed as part of broader efforts to safeguard the US immigration system and protect public resources.

“This is another way the US State Department is protecting American taxpayers and the public,” the bureau said.