Trump Administration Moves Against Birth Tourism, Revokes Over 600 US Visas
The United States government has stepped up its campaign against birth tourism, revoking more than 600 visas as part of a new effort to prevent foreigners from travelling to the country primarily to give birth and secure US citizenship for their children.
The US Department of State announced the creation of the Birth Tourism Prevention Task Force under President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The task force will work across government agencies to identify people suspected of misrepresenting the purpose of their trips, as well as networks believed to facilitate birth tourism.
The move follows executive orders issued by Trump directing federal authorities to take measures against foreign nationals who enter the US specifically to give birth, including visa revocation and possible deportation.
According to the State Department, officials will examine visa applications, travel records and other information to detect possible cases of birth tourism worldwide.
US embassies and consulates, including those in Abuja and Lagos, have also been instructed to pay closer attention to applications that suggest an applicant may intend to travel to the US to give birth.
The department warned that anyone who deliberately provides false information about the purpose of a trip could face permanent ineligibility for a US visa or admission into the country.
US officials described birth tourism as an organised commercial practice in which operators allegedly offer expectant parents packages covering visa assistance, accommodation, medical arrangements and other services.
The State Department also accused some facilitators of providing false documents or coaching clients on how to conceal their intentions from immigration and consular officials.
The task force is expected to continue analysing information from the State Department and Department of Homeland Security while working with US diplomatic missions to strengthen the screening of visa applicants.
