The United States Department of State has revealed that officials recently dismantled a large birth tourism network operating in West Africa.
The operation involved more than 100 foreign nationals and formed part of a wider campaign against visa fraud and misuse of the U.S. immigration system.
In a statement released on June 10, the department said investigators uncovered an organised scheme that helped people obtain U.S. visitor visas under false pretences.
The individuals allegedly planned to travel to the United States to give birth so their children could automatically receive American citizenship.
“A U.S. embassy in West Africa uncovered a sophisticated birth tourism network of more than 100 foreign nationals using fraudulent documents and visa ‘fixers’ to get themselves visas in order to get U.S. citizenship for their children. We shut it down, revoked these foreign nationals’ visas, and are coordinating with local authorities to systematically identify and cut off any similar operations,” the department stated.
The State Department did not disclose the country where the network operated. However, officials said they are working closely with authorities in the region to prevent similar schemes from taking root.
The case highlights Washington’s ongoing efforts to tackle birth tourism, a practice in which foreign nationals travel to the United States mainly to give birth and secure U.S. citizenship for their newborns under the country’s birthright citizenship laws.
Officials stressed that U.S. visitor visas cannot be used for that purpose and warned that anyone attempting to do so risks serious consequences.
“No foreigner is permitted to obtain a visitor visa for the primary purpose of acquiring U.S. citizenship for a child by giving birth in the U.S.,” the State Department said.
Authorities noted that the West African case is not an isolated incident. They have identified similar operations in other parts of the world, including Europe.
Since 2024, officials have uncovered more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases there.
Investigators linked those cases to at least six companies accused of coaching visa applicants, arranging accommodation, and coordinating travel related to childbirth in the United States.
In a separate development, a U.S. embassy in North Africa cancelled more than 100 visas issued to parents who had travelled to America primarily to give birth.
“Consular officers working with law enforcement and using data analytics identified several networks abusing the system and put a stop to it,” the statement said.
“A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right. The State Department is taking action around the world to stop this abuse, dismantle birth tourism networks, and hold accountable those who try to scam our system,” it added.
