The United States State Department has uncovered alleged birth tourism fraud networks operating across parts of Africa, leading to the revocation of more than 100 visas.
The agency said the schemes involved foreign nationals who allegedly used fake documentation and visa “fixers” to enter the US with the primary aim of giving birth so their children could obtain US citizenship.
Officials stated that one of the networks was linked to a US embassy in West Africa, where more than 100 visas were revoked. A separate case in North Africa also resulted in visa cancellations for over 100 individuals identified as “birth tourists”.
The State Department said investigations also uncovered wider activity beyond Africa, including more than 400 suspected cases identified in Europe since 2024. Authorities allege that at least six companies were involved in coaching applicants on visa interview responses, arranging accommodation in the US, and coordinating birth plans.
The crackdown forms part of broader enforcement efforts against what US authorities describe as abuse of birthright citizenship provisions. The US Constitution grants citizenship to most individuals born on American soil, a policy that has long been debated in US immigration politics.
Officials warned that similar operations will continue to be identified and shut down, with visas revoked and offenders potentially banned from future travel to the United States.
