The United States has moved aggressively against international birth tourism networks, revoking more than 600 visas issued to foreign nationals suspected of traveling primarily to give birth on American soil so their children would obtain US citizenship.

The State Department announced the action in a public statement, describing the effort as a campaign to defend the integrity of US citizenship and close loopholes exploited by organized fraud rings. Officials stressed that US law does not permit foreigners to obtain visitor visas when their main purpose is to deliver a child in the country.

Investigations have uncovered coordinated schemes spanning multiple regions. In West Africa, a US embassy identified what officials called a sophisticated network of more than 100 foreign nationals who allegedly relied on fraudulent documents and local “fixers” to secure visas. Those visas were revoked, and the operation was dismantled in cooperation with local authorities, who were alerted to search for similar patterns.

In Europe, consular investigators traced more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases to at least six companies. According to the State Department, these firms coached clients on how to answer visa interview questions, arranged temporary housing in the United States, and coordinated hospital deliveries. The department said it has revoked the visas involved, shut down the companies’ operations, and permanently barred several organizers from entering the country.

In North Africa, another US embassy revoked more than 100 visas issued to parents believed to have traveled primarily to give birth in the United States. Officials said these cases followed a similar pattern of organized assistance, concealed intentions, and misuse of visitor visas.

The crackdown relies heavily on data analytics, cross-border intelligence sharing, and close collaboration between consular officers and law enforcement agencies. By comparing travel patterns, documentation, and prior applications, investigators have been able to identify clusters of suspicious cases linked to the same intermediaries.

US officials say the campaign is part of a broader effort to deter visa fraud and ensure that legitimate travelers are not crowded out by those attempting to game the system. They emphasize that while giving birth in the United States is not itself illegal, misrepresenting the purpose of travel on a visa application can lead to revocation, removal, and long-term bans on reentry.