The US Embassy in India announced a strict warning on Thursday (11), stating that tourist visa applications will be denied if consular officers believe the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the US so the child can acquire American citizenship. The advisory reinforces long-standing US policy against what is known as birth tourism.
In a post on X, the embassy wrote,
Part of a global crackdown on birth tourism
The announcement comes just months after the US Mission to Nigeria issued a similar warning, stressing that visas would be denied if the main intention of travel was childbirth for citizenship purposes.
According to US authorities, birth tourism violates immigration law and places undue financial burdens on American taxpayers, especially when foreign individuals are unable to pay hospital costs.
Earlier this year, the US State Department reiterated the same message in a widely shared post, “It is unacceptable for foreign parents to use a U.S. tourist visa for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States... This could result in American taxpayers paying the medical care costs.” The department added that individuals who engage in of facilitate birth tourism may become ineligible for future US visas or entry.
Understanding birth tourism
Birth tourism refers to the practice of foreign nationals traveling to the US to give birth so that their child automatically obtains US citizenship under the 14th Amendment. Citizenship granted this way is unconditional, making the practice attractive to individuals seeking long-term advantages for their children.
However, US officials have repeatedly argued that the provision is being exploited. Organized networks in several countries reportedly arrange travel packages for expectant mothers seeking American citizenship for their newborns, schemes often criticized as fraudulent and abusive.
Trump administration's position on birth tourism
The issue gained heightened political attention during Donald Trump’s first term as president. The administration released a detailed fact sheet titled “President Donald J. Trump Is Taking Action to End Birth Tourism,” emphasizing national security concerns and misuse of public resources. The document criticized organizations that facilitate travel for childbirth, accusing them of exploiting a 'loophole' in American law.
The archived White House notice stated that the administration aimed to curb practices that unfairly provide U.S. citizenship and strain public systems, including hospitals.
What applicants should know
The embassy’s new warning makes clear that consular officers have wide discretion to deny a visa if they suspect the applicant intends to give birth in the United States. Officials advise all travelers to be transparent about their travel purpose and to understand that violating this policy can result in long-term immigration consequences.
As global scrutiny intensifies, US authorities appear committed to tightening enforcement against birth tourism, ensuring that tourist visas are used strictly for legitimate short-term travel.
