Trump Administration shuts down networks coaching pregnant women to give birth in America
The United States has uncovered and dismantled multiple birth tourism networks operating across Europe and West Africa, revoking visas and coordinating with foreign governments as part of a wider crackdown on schemes designed to secure US citizenship for children born on American soil.
In a series of posts on X, the US Department of State said investigators had identified more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases in Europe since 2024. According to the department, the cases were linked to at least six companies that allegedly coached visa applicants on how to answer questions during consular interviews, arranged accommodation in the United States and coordinated delivery plans for expectant mothers.
Under President Trump, the State Department is defending the integrity of U.S. citizenship by ending illegal birth tourism schemes.
— Department of State (@StateDept) June 10, 2026
No foreigner is permitted to obtain a visitor visa for the primary purpose of acquiring U.S. citizenship for a child by giving birth in the U.S.
US authorities said the operation had been shut down and visas issued to the foreign nationals involved had been revoked. The department added that it was working with local authorities to identify and disrupt similar networks operating in other countries.
West Africa network uncovered
The State Department also disclosed that a US embassy in West Africa had uncovered what it described as a sophisticated birth tourism network involving more than 100 foreign nationals. The individuals allegedly relied on fraudulent documentation and visa "fixers" to obtain US visas with the aim of securing American citizenship for their children through birth in the United States.
The announcement brings the total number of suspected cases identified across both regions to more than 500, with all associated visas revoked.
Trump administration tightens immigration controls
The announcements form part of the Trump administration's broader effort to tighten immigration controls and target practices it considers an abuse of the US visa system. The administration has repeatedly argued that visitor visas should not be used for the primary purpose of obtaining citizenship benefits for children born in the country.
"Under President Trump, the State Department is defending the integrity of US citizenship by ending illegal birth tourism schemes," the department said, adding that foreigners are not permitted to obtain visitor visas primarily to give birth in the United States in order to secure citizenship for a child.
Constitutional protection
The issue of birth tourism has long been a subject of debate in the United States because children born on US soil generally acquire citizenship under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. Federal authorities have in recent years pursued investigations into businesses accused of facilitating such travel arrangements, particularly when applicants are found to have concealed the purpose of their visit or used fraudulent documents during the visa process.
Expanding enforcement internationally
The latest disclosures suggest that Washington is expanding those efforts internationally, with embassies playing a more active role in identifying suspected networks and sharing information with host governments. While the State Department did not specify the countries involved in West Africa, it said that further action could follow as investigations continue.
The crackdown sends a clear signal to foreign nationals considering similar schemes that the US government is actively monitoring visa applications and will take enforcement action against those found to be concealing their true intentions. The State Department has encouraged visa applicants to be truthful about the purpose of their travel, warning that providing false information can result in permanent visa ineligibility.
The department did not disclose whether any arrests had been made or whether criminal charges would be pursued against the operators of the dismantled networks. It also did not specify which West African country hosted the embassy that uncovered the scheme. Further details are expected as investigations progress.
