The United States has issued a firm warning to foreign nationals using a visa to enter the country for the sole purpose of giving birth and securing US citizenship for your child is no longer acceptable.
In a statement released on Monday, the US Mission in Nigeria made it clear that consular officers are now under strict instructions to deny visa applications if they suspect the applicant’s main goal is to have a baby on American soil — a practice widely known as “birth tourism.”
“Travelling to the United States primarily to give birth so your child can obtain US citizenship is not permitted,” the mission said. “Your visa application will be denied if this is believed to be your intent.”
An image shared on the US Mission’s official X account reinforced the message, bluntly stating: “We will deny your visa if we believe your primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to get U.S. citizenship for your child. This is not accepted.”
Under the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, any child born on American soil is automatically granted citizenship — a policy that has attracted global attention and, in some cases, exploitation by commercial birth tourism agencies.
US authorities have long expressed concern over the booming industry, which often charges hefty fees to arrange travel, accommodation, and hospital care for expectant mothers. This latest clampdown is part of broader efforts to curb the trend and tighten immigration protocols.
The message is clear, visas are for temporary, lawful travel not a shortcut to citizenship.
