US Targets Birth Tourism: Visa Denials Loom

Newborn,Baby,In,First,Of,Many,Small,Hospital,Beds

The U.S. Mission to Nigeria has issued a critical warning against birth tourism, targeting Nigerian citizens traveling to the U.S. primarily to give birth for citizenship purposes.

Story Highlights

The U.S. Mission to Nigeria warns against birth tourism, threatening visa denials.
Consular officers are empowered to deny visas if birth tourism is suspected.
The Nigerian Immigration Service advises citizens to comply with U.S. visa regulations.
This move reflects broader efforts to tighten U.S. immigration controls.

U.S. Mission’s Stern Warning to Nigerian Citizens

The U.S. Mission to Nigeria has publicly warned citizens against engaging in birth tourism, a practice where foreign nationals travel to the United States to give birth so their child automatically acquires U.S. citizenship. This warning, issued in late July 2025, emphasizes that consular officers will deny visas if they suspect applicants are primarily traveling for this purpose. The mission’s statement underscores the legal basis for these denials and reflects recent policy changes aimed at curbing this growing phenomenon.

American officials warn Nigerian women against birth tourism: 'This is not permitted' https://t.co/0yvAdHku24 #FoxNews

— AJD (@AshleyJDiMella) July 31, 2025

The warning was disseminated widely via social media platforms and official channels, using hashtags like #VisaWiseTravelSmart and #USVisa. This move is part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to tighten immigration controls and prevent the misuse of visitor visas. The U.S. Mission’s decision to issue such a direct and public warning highlights the seriousness with which the U.S. views this issue.

Watch: The U.S. Mission to Nigeria warns against birth tourism

Historical Context and Recent Developments

Birth tourism has been a topic of concern for U.S. authorities for over two decades, particularly due to the Fourteenth Amendment, which grants citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil. In 2020, the U.S. State Department implemented a rule allowing consular officers to deny B visas if birth tourism is suspected. The recent warning by the U.S. Mission to Nigeria is a continuation of these efforts, amid increasing reports of Nigerian nationals engaging in birth tourism.

Nigeria remains a significant source country for birth tourism to the U.S., with studies showing a high proportion of Nigerian women giving birth in U.S. hospitals. The U.S. has responded by reducing visa validity for Nigerians and maintaining a high-level travel advisory for Nigeria due to security concerns. These measures aim to address both immigration control and national security issues.

Impact on Nigerian Travelers and Diplomacy

The warning and subsequent visa denials could have both short-term and long-term implications. In the short term, there might be increased visa denials for suspected birth tourism and heightened scrutiny of Nigerian applicants. This could deter attempts at birth tourism and lead to changes in travel patterns among Nigerian citizens.

In the long term, these measures may reduce birth tourism from Nigeria but could also lead to potential diplomatic friction if perceived as discriminatory. The Nigerian Immigration Service has already issued an advisory urging citizens to comply with U.S. visa regulations, highlighting the importance of maintaining legitimate travel opportunities and avoiding expanded visa restrictions.