U.S. Uncovers Birth Tourism Network In West Africa, Revokes Visas Of More Than 100 Foreign Nationals

The United States says it has dismantled a birth tourism network in West Africa involving more than 100 foreign nationals who allegedly used fraudulent documents and visa fixers to obtain U.S. visas.

The revelation was made by the U.S. Department of State as part of what it describes as a broader global crackdown on birth tourism schemes designed to secure U.S. citizenship for children born in the United States.

According to the department, a U.S. embassy in West Africa uncovered what it described as a sophisticated operation in which applicants allegedly used fraudulent documentation and third-party agents to obtain visitor visas.

“A U.S. embassy in West Africa uncovered a sophisticated birth tourism network of more than 100 foreign nationals using fraudulent documents and visa ‘fixers’ to get themselves visas in order to get U.S. citizenship for their children,” the State Department said in a social media post.

The department said the operation was shut down and the visas of those involved were revoked. It added that U.S. authorities are working with local officials to identify and dismantle similar networks.

The announcement forms part of a wider campaign by the administration of President Donald Trump against what it calls abuse of the U.S. immigration system through birth tourism.

Birth tourism refers to the practice of travelling to another country, often on a visitor visa, for the primary purpose of giving birth so that a child can obtain citizenship in that country.

Under the U.S. Constitution, most children born on American soil automatically acquire U.S. citizenship regardless of their parents’ nationality.

The State Department stressed that foreign nationals are not permitted to obtain visitor visas primarily for the purpose of securing U.S. citizenship for a child through birth in the United States.

The agency also disclosed that investigations in Europe identified more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases since 2024.

According to the department, investigators linked those cases to at least six companies that allegedly coached applicants on visa interviews, arranged accommodation in the United States and facilitated delivery plans.

In North Africa, a separate U.S. embassy revoked more than 100 visas issued to what it described as birth tourist parents.

The State Department said several individuals involved in the schemes have been permanently barred from travelling to the United States.

“A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right. 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 department said.

The department did not identify the West African country or countries where the network operated, and there was no indication in the statement that Ghana was involved.