We’ll deny you visa if you’re traveling to give birth — US tells Nigerians

The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a clear warning to Nigerians: traveling to the US mainly to give birth, just to secure American citizenship for their child, is not allowed under US immigration law. This type of travel, often referred to as "birth tourism", has drawn increased attention from US authorities, who see it as an abuse of visa privileges.

In a post shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the US Mission emphasized that using a visa for the primary reason of childbirth violates US immigration policy. The statement read that visa applicants would be denied if consular officers believe the main reason for travel is to have a baby in the US. The post underscores the seriousness with which US authorities are clamping down on the practice of securing citizenship through childbirth without meeting proper legal and immigration requirements.

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The warning reflects broader efforts by the US government to tighten immigration controls and prevent misuse of its visa system. It also aligns with recent changes in US visa policies toward Nigerians. The government has become more selective and strict, focusing on intent and purpose during the visa application process.

This stance is especially significant because the US Constitution grants automatic citizenship to children born on US soil, regardless of their parents’ nationality. This has made the country a popular destination for people seeking to have what is commonly known as “anchor babies.” However, US immigration officials have become increasingly strict on identifying and rejecting such applications.

The US government's warning comes amid broader changes to how Nigerian travelers are treated under American visa policies. Earlier, the US Department of State revised its visa reciprocity policy for Nigeria. Under the new rules, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians are now single-entry and only valid for three months. This change marks a significant shift from previous visa options, which often allowed for longer stays and multiple entries.

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Officials explained that this change aligns with global technical standards and is meant to protect the US immigration system from misuse. The stricter visa rules are part of efforts to reduce visa fraud and control illegal immigration practices, including birth tourism.

Birth tourism is seen as a growing problem by US immigration authorities. The idea is that foreign nationals, especially from countries like Nigeria, travel to the US solely to give birth. The child, born on American soil, becomes a US citizen by birthright. This has long-term implications for residency, family migration, and access to benefits. Because of this, the US is now enforcing tighter scrutiny at its consulates and entry points.

With this new directive, Nigerians applying for US visas must be completely transparent about the purpose of their visit. Any hint or suspicion that the real reason is to give birth in the US can lead to outright visa denial. Travelers are urged to follow immigration laws and avoid misrepresenting their intentions.

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Overall, the US is making it clear that it will not tolerate the misuse of its immigration system. Those found violating the rules risk losing their visa privileges and may face further penalties. The message from the US Mission is simple: if you’re trying to enter the country just to give birth, your visa will be denied.