The U.S. State Department has identified and disrupted multiple overseas networks that allegedly helped foreign nationals obtain visitor visas to travel to America specifically to give birth and secure citizenship for their children.
The networks operated across West Africa, Europe, and North Africa, according to a report published Wednesday. U.S. embassies coordinated with law enforcement to investigate the coordinated operations, revoke visas, and impose immigration penalties on suspected participants.
European Operations Dismantled
Investigators identified more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases in Europe dating back to 2024. At least six companies allegedly coached visa applicants on consular interview responses, arranged travel and lodging, and coordinated childbirth plans in the United States.
The State Department revoked visas connected to the operations and permanently barred several individuals from future U.S. travel. Officials characterized the schemes as attempts to circumvent immigration law through fraudulent visa applications.
Action Across Africa
A U.S. embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visitor visas issued to individuals suspected of traveling primarily to give birth in the United States. A separate network operating in West Africa was also dismantled, with visas revoked for alleged participants.
State Department officials stated that