The United States Mission in Nigeria has threatened to deny the visa application of pregnant women in Nigeria seeking to travel to the US for childbirth.
The US Mission issued a warning to Nigerians, particularly pregnant women, against going to the United States solely for the purpose of giving birth and obtaining American citizenship for their offspring.
In a message uploaded on Wednesday via its official X (previously Twitter) account, the mission highlighted that such practices, known as birth tourism, are prohibited by US immigration guidelines and may result in travel document refusal.
“Using your visa to travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that your child will have U.S. citizenship is not permitted,” the post read.
The mission further stated that consular staff are directed to deny applications if they feel the applicant’s primary aim is to deliver a baby in the United States.
“Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent,” the statement added.
