The United States has adopted a stricter stance against the use of tourist visas for the purpose of giving birth on American soil to obtain U.S. citizenship for newborns—a practice commonly referred to as “birth tourism.”
In a statement released on Thursday, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs announced that visa applications from foreign nationals who intend to travel solely to give birth and secure citizenship for their child will be denied.
The department clarified that applying for a visa with the primary intent of obtaining U.S. citizenship for a child is unacceptable and will result in rejection. Consular officers have been instructed to refuse such applications.
Officials emphasized that using tourist visas for this purpose could place a financial burden on American taxpayers, especially for medical expenses.
Under U.S. immigration law, any child born on American soil automatically acquires U.S. citizenship. This has led some foreign nationals to misuse tourist visas to give birth in the country.
Authorities warned that individuals found engaging in birth tourism may be deemed ineligible for future U.S. visas or travel.
The new measure is part of broader efforts to strengthen immigration laws. The State Department noted that those applying for visas with legitimate travel purposes will not be affected by this policy.