The State Department has identified multiple birth tourism networks operating across West Africa, Europe, and North Africa, according to a Wednesday report.
U.S. embassies uncovered evidence of schemes allegedly designed to generate fraudulent records and assist foreign nationals in traveling to the United States specifically to give birth on American soil. The Daily Wire first reported on the networks’ existence.
What the Investigation Found
A U.S. embassy in Europe identified more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases dating back to 2024. Investigators linked the activity to at least six companies that coached visa applicants on interview responses, arranged accommodations, and coordinated childbirth plans in the United States.
A U.S. embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas issued to individuals accused of traveling to the country for the primary purpose of giving birth. State Department consular officers partnered with law enforcement agencies and used data analysis tools to identify the networks.
State Department Actions
State Department officials disrupted the operations, revoked visas involved, and imposed permanent travel bans on several individuals accused of participating in the schemes. “A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right,” State Department messaging stated.
The department is coordinating with local authorities to “systematically identify and cut off any similar operations,” according to the report.
Broader Context
The investigation comes as President Donald Trump has prioritized restricting birthright citizenship. Trump signed an executive order to end birthright citizenship after taking office in January 2025, though the order has faced multiple legal challenges and been repeatedly paused.
The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the order in late June or early July. Court observers said most justices appeared skeptical of the executive order, viewing the Fourteenth Amendment’s language on citizenship as clear.
