The US State Department has established a new global task force to combat birth tourism and has already revoked more than 600 visas as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to prevent the misuse of nonimmigrant visas.
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The task force will examine travel histories and other information to identify suspected birth tourism cases, with officials saying the effort is intended to operate on a global scale. Officials also alleged that some facilitators have used falsified medical documents or encouraged travelers to misrepresent the purpose of their visits. In one case, a couple reportedly used a conference and vacation shopping as cover for trips to the United States while actually intending to give birth there. Their visas were revoked. The State Department warned that foreigners who deliberately misrepresent the purpose of their travel or entry can face permanent ineligibility for a US visa or admission to the country.
“Birth tourism” generally refers to foreigners traveling to the United States with the intention of giving birth so their child can obtain US citizenship under current law. The State Department said some facilitators have turned the practice into a commercial business by arranging travel, medical care and hospital services for pregnant visitors. Some operators offer visa coaching and hospital arrangements and, in certain cases, have allegedly helped clients conceal their actual travel plans, according to the department. The State Department also detailed several cases that it said demonstrated how applicants had allegedly misrepresented their travel plans. The department said the couple lied about the purpose of travel on two separate visa applications and concealed the existence of a child during the second application.
