20 minutes ago in Washington, State Dept. Identifies Several ‘Birth Tourism’ Networks Around World…#@#

Investigators linked the activity to at least six companies that coached visa applicants on interview responses, arranged accommodations, and coordinated childbirth plans in the United States.

A U.S. embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas issued to individuals accused of traveling to the country for the primary purpose of giving birth. State Department consular officers partnered with law enforcement agencies and used data analysis tools to identify the networks.

State Department Actions

State Department officials disrupted the operations, revoked visas involved, and imposed permanent travel bans on several individuals accused of participating in the schemes. “A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right,” State Department messaging stated.