The United States has revoked more than 600 visas held by foreign nationals in the past month as part of a crackdown on so-called birth tourism, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday. The action follows the creation of a Birth Tourism Prevention Task Force by the State Department to identify people accused of abusing the US visa system and networks that allegedly facilitate the practice.
“In just one month, the Birth Tourism Prevention Task Force has taken action to revoke more than 600 visas from foreign nationals across the globe and will continue to safeguard our nation from this abuse,” Rubio said in a post on X. He added: “American citizenship is not for sale.”
The crackdown comes after an August 6 executive order issued by President Donald Trump as his administration intensifies immigration enforcement.
Task Force Targets Birth Tourism Networks
Birth tourism generally refers to foreign nationals travelling to the United States, often while pregnant, with the intention of giving birth so that their child can obtain US citizenship under current law.
The State Department said facilitators have developed the practice into a “for-profit industry”, offering services including visa coaching, travel arrangements, housing and hospital coordination. Some operators allegedly help applicants conceal the actual purpose of their travel, forge medical documents or misrepresent information on visa applications.
The task force is examining travel and visa information held by the State Department and other federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security. It is also reviewing the travel histories of visa holders worldwide to identify potential cases and those involved in facilitating them.
State Department Details Alleged Visa Misrepresentation
The department highlighted several cases in which travellers allegedly concealed their reasons for entering the United States. In one case, a couple allegedly used a conference and vacation-shopping trips as cover to travel to the US and give birth to two children. Their visas were revoked.
Another case involved a foreign government official who reportedly obtained a visa for a one-week official visit but remained in the United States for three months and gave birth before leaving. Her visa was subsequently revoked. A third traveller allegedly said she planned to vacation in Orlando but instead travelled to Los Angeles and gave birth five days after arriving. Her visa was also revoked.
Rubio Says Enforcement Will Continue
The State Department said visas are generally revoked when there are indications that a holder may be ineligible, while noting that the Secretary of State has broad discretionary authority to revoke visas.
Officials warned that people who deliberately misrepresent the purpose of their travel or entry into the United States could face permanent visa or entry ineligibility. Rubio said the administration would continue using available tools to dismantle networks facilitating birth tourism. The department also warned that foreign nationals who abuse the visa system, along with those who assist them, could lose their visas and future access to the United States.
“This is only the beginning,” the department said.
