The United States government has stated that it will deny visas to foreign nationals whose primary intent for travel is to give birth on US soil to secure citizenship for their children, a practice commonly referred to as “birth tourism.”
The US Mission in Nigeria in a statement issued on Monday, said that consular officers have been instructed to deny visa applications if there is reason to believe that the applicant’s main reason for visiting the country is to deliver a baby and obtain US citizenship for the newborn.
“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 statement reads. “Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent.”
A message on an image posted alongside the statement on X (formerly Twitter) by the US Mission read, “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.”
The US grants automatic citizenship to any child born on its soil under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, a policy that has drawn global interest and, in some cases, exploitation.
Birth tourism has become a controversial issue, with authorities cracking down on companies and individuals who arrange such trips, often for large fees.
