US shuts down birth tourism networks in Europe, Africa; revokes visas in over 500 suspected cases

The United States has uncovered and dismantled multiple birth tourism networks operating across Europe and West Africa, revoking visas and coordinating with foreign governments as part of a wider crackdown on schemes designed to secure US citizenship for children born on American soil.

In a series of posts on X, the US Department of State said investigators had identified more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases in Europe since 2024. According to the department, the cases were linked to at least six companies that allegedly coached visa applicants on how to answer questions during consular interviews, arranged accommodation in the United States and coordinated delivery plans for expectant mothers.

US authorities said the operation had been shut down and visas issued to the foreign nationals involved had been revoked. The department added that it was working with local authorities to identify and disrupt similar networks operating in other countries.

The State Department also disclosed that a US embassy in West Africa had uncovered what it described as a sophisticated birth tourism network involving more than 100 foreign nationals. The individuals allegedly relied on fraudulent documentation and visa “fixers” to obtain US visas with the aim of securing American citizenship for their children through birth in the United States.

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The announcements form part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to tighten immigration controls and target practices it considers an abuse of the US visa system. The administration has repeatedly argued that visitor visas should not be used for the primary purpose of obtaining citizenship benefits for children born in the country.

“Under President Trump, the State Department is defending the integrity of US citizenship by ending illegal birth tourism schemes,” the department said, adding that foreigners are not permitted to obtain visitor visas primarily to give birth in the United States in order to secure citizenship for a child.

The issue of birth tourism has long been a subject of debate in the United States because children born on US soil generally acquire citizenship under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. Federal authorities have in recent years pursued investigations into businesses accused of facilitating such travel arrangements, particularly when applicants are found to have concealed the purpose of their visit or used fraudulent documents during the visa process.

The latest disclosures suggest that Washington is expanding those efforts internationally, with embassies playing a more active role in identifying suspected networks and sharing information with host governments. While the State Department did not specify the countries involved, it said that further action could follow as investigations continue.