The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a stern warning to Nigerians seeking to travel to the US for the primary purpose of giving birth, saying such applications will be denied.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, the Mission made it clear that “birth tourism” — the practice of traveling to the US solely to have a child obtain American citizenship — is not permitted under existing US immigration laws.
“Using your visa to travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that your child will have U.S. citizenship is not permitted. Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent,” the statement read.
This development follows a recent revision of the US visa reciprocity policy, which now limits most non-immigrant, non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians to single-entry status with a validity period of just three months.
The US Department of State said the move aligns with global technical and security standards, and aims to protect the integrity of its immigration system.
The warning is part of a broader crackdown on “birth tourism,” a controversial practice that has reportedly been growing in popularity among citizens of several countries, including Nigeria.
While the US Constitution grants citizenship to children born on American soil, immigration officials are now increasingly scrutinising travel motives tied to childbirth.
In recent years, US authorities have tightened policies and procedures around tourist visas, particularly for pregnant women who are suspected of traveling with the intent to give birth in the United States.
The latest policy shift has triggered mixed reactions among Nigerians, especially those who had planned to deliver their babies in the US as a means of securing a better future for them.
Legal experts have advised intending travelers to be transparent and truthful in their visa applications to avoid bans or rejections.
The US Mission, however, reiterated its commitment to strong bilateral ties with Nigeria, while emphasizing that all visa decisions are guided by US law, security considerations, and international standards.
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