😮20 minutes ago in Washington, State Dept. Identifies Several ‘Birth Tourism’ Networks Around World

The U.S. State Department has uncovered and dismantled several overseas birth tourism networks that allegedly helped foreign nationals travel to the United States to give birth and secure American citizenship for their children. According to a report published Wednesday by The Daily Wire, U.S. embassies in West Africa, Europe, and North Africa identified coordinated schemes involving fraudulent documentation, visa coaching, and travel arrangements designed to exploit the American immigration system.

Officials said one operation in West Africa was shut down after investigators discovered evidence of organized efforts to facilitate birth tourism. The State Department revoked visas connected to the network and is now working with local authorities to identify and dismantle similar operations.

“Under President Trump, the State Department is defending the integrity of U.S. citizenship by ending illegal birth tourism schemes,” department messaging obtained by The Daily Wire stated. Officials emphasized that foreign nationals are not permitted to obtain visitor visas primarily for the purpose of giving birth in the United States so their children can automatically acquire citizenship.

In Europe, investigators reportedly identified more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases dating back to 2024. Authorities linked the activity to at least six companies accused of coaching visa applicants on how to answer consular interview questions, arranging housing, and coordinating travel plans for childbirth in the United States. The State Department said it revoked visas connected to the operation and imposed permanent travel bans on several individuals accused of participating in the scheme.

Meanwhile, a U.S. embassy in North Africa canceled more than 100 visas issued to individuals allegedly intending to travel to the United States primarily to give birth. Consular officers worked alongside law enforcement agencies and employed data analysis tools to identify networks suspected of exploiting the visa process.

“A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right,” State Department officials said. “The State Department is taking action around the world to stop this abuse, dismantle birth tourism networks, and hold accountable those who try to scam our system.”

The issue has also drawn attention domestically. Texas previously filed suit against De’Ai Postpartum Care Center in Houston, alleging the facility facilitated the arrival of Chinese nationals for the sole purpose of giving birth in the United States. Authorities claim the center assisted in the births of more than 1,000 children who automatically became U.S. citizens.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order shortly after returning to office in January 2025 aimed at ending birthright citizenship. However, the order has faced numerous legal challenges and remains blocked while courts review its constitutionality. Observers noted that several Supreme Court justices appeared skeptical of the administration’s arguments, citing the Fourteenth Amendment’s language as clear. A decision is expected later this summer.