US Mission in Nigeria intensifies crackdown on “birth tourism”

Summary

• The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a strong warning against “birth tourism,” announcing that visa applicants primarily traveling to the U.S. to give birth for the purpose of obtaining American citizenship will face denial
• This policy, re-emphasized on 28th July 2025, targets non-immigrant visa applications (B1/B2) where the intent is to leverage birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment
• Nigerian visa applicants will face increased scrutiny, and misrepresentation of travel intent could lead to visa denials, future bans, and other penalties
• Nigeria ranks as the fourth-highest source country for birth tourism to the U.S., with an estimated 33,000 women annually engaging in this practice

Abuja, Nigeria – The United States Mission in Nigeria has reiterated its firm stance against “birth tourism,” a practice where individuals travel to the U.S. primarily to give birth so their child can acquire American citizenship.

In a statement released on 28th July 2025, via the U.S. Embassy’s official website and social media channels, the Mission announced that visa applicants found to be engaging in this practice will be denied entry.

This renewed warning specifically targets individuals applying for non-immigrant visas, particularly B1/B2 (tourist/business) visas, whose primary intent is to secure U.S. citizenship for their child through jus soli, as guaranteed by the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Consular officers have been instructed to deny visa applications if they suspect the applicant’s main purpose is to give birth in the U.S. for citizenship benefits. Applicants are now required to demonstrate legitimate travel purposes, such as genuine tourism, business engagements, or medical treatment for verifiable health concerns.

The U.S. Embassy in Abuja has confirmed an intensification of scrutiny during visa interviews to detect any misrepresentation of travel intentions. Such misrepresentation can lead to severe consequences, including immediate visa denial, potential bans on future applications, or other penalties under U.S. immigration law.

Birth tourism is largely driven by the desire to secure significant benefits for children, including access to perceived superior education and healthcare in the U.S., along with future family reunification opportunities, such as sponsoring parents for green cards once the child turns 21.

Nigeria has been identified as a significant source country for this practice, ranking fourth globally, with an estimated 33,000 Nigerian women annually engaging in birth tourism, following China, Taiwan, and South Korea.

This policy is not new; the U.S. has been addressing birth tourism for several years, with stricter regulations first introduced during the Trump administration in 2020. These rules clarified that traveling to the U.S. primarily for childbirth to obtain citizenship is not a permissible basis for a B visa.

Engaging in birth tourism can be financially burdensome, with costs ranging from $7,000 to $100,000, covering medical care and travel. A key concern for U.S. authorities is the financial burden some applicants place on the American healthcare system by failing to pay hospital bills. Furthermore, any misrepresentation of travel intent is considered visa fraud, which can result in severe legal repercussions, including visa revocation or permanent bans from entering the U.S.

Motivations for Nigerian women pursuing birth tourism include seeking better future opportunities for their children, enhanced global travel mobility, and access to high-quality healthcare. However, these benefits come with significant risks, including the high financial outlay, the increased likelihood of visa denials, and severe legal consequences if fraud is detected.

Globally, birth tourism is not confined to Nigeria, with significant numbers of individuals from countries like China, Russia, Brazil, and Turkey also engaging in the practice. The U.S. and Canada remain primary destinations due to their unconditional birthright citizenship policies, which differ from many other nations (e.g., Australia, Germany, Ireland) that have implemented restrictions on jus soli.

Recent adjustments in U.S. visa reciprocity policies for Nigeria, limiting most non-immigrant, non-diplomatic visas to single-entry with three-month validity, further underscore the tightening of access. U.S. authorities also argue that birth tourism strains public resources, particularly when applicants rely on public assistance for medical costs.

The U.S. Embassy strongly advises Nigerian visa applicants to be completely transparent during their interviews and to provide accurate documentation. For individuals genuinely seeking to give birth in the U.S. for legitimate medical reasons (e.g., specialized care unavailable in Nigeria), it is essential to provide sufficient evidence, such as doctor’s letters, and unequivocally demonstrate financial solvency to cover all medical expenses.

The reinforced warning reflects the U.S.’s ongoing efforts to curb birth tourism, ensuring the integrity of its immigration system while balancing constitutional protections with robust enforcement against perceived abuses.