The United States government has issued a stern warning to Nigerians intending to travel to the US primarily for the purpose of birth tourism the practice of giving birth on American soil so that the child automatically obtains US citizenship. The US Mission in Nigeria declared that visa applications will be denied if consular officers have reason to believe the traveler's main intent is childbirth to secure citizenship for their newborn.
This prohibition aligns with US immigration policy that bars use of visitor visas for primarily giving birth in the country. The US Mission emphasized that applicants must be honest about their travel purposes, cautioning that misrepresentation may have long-term immigration consequences. This move comes amid increased scrutiny of visa applicants and stronger enforcement measures targeting birth tourism.
Additionally, the US recently revised its visa reciprocity policy, issuing mostly single-entry, three-month validity visas to Nigerians, underscoring tighter controls aimed at safeguarding immigration system integrity.
The US government’s position is part of a broader effort to curb birthright citizenship-related abuses. Babies born on US soil automatically acquire citizenship regardless of their parents' status, but this does not guarantee visa entry for the sole purpose of birth tourism.
This warning aims to discourage Nigerians from exploiting US birthright citizenship through travel solely for childbirth and to strengthen visa application vetting processes.