US warns Nigerians against travelling to give birth, says it’s visa misuse

The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a warning to Nigerians seeking to travel primarily to give birth in America, saying such plans violate U.S. immigration laws.

The practice, known as birth tourism, has been flagged by U.S. authorities as a misuse of the visa system.

In a statement posted on its official X page on Monday, the mission said consular officers are under instruction to deny visa applications if they suspect the applicant’s main intent is to obtain U.S. citizenship for their unborn child.

“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,” the statement read.

“Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent.”

The warning aligns with similar notices recently issued by U.S. missions in Jamaica and Uganda, as part of an ongoing global crackdown on immigration loopholes.

In January 2025, U.S. authorities restated their commitment to strengthening border control and reining in the misuse of birthright citizenship.

Earlier this year, former President Donald Trump reiterated his stance that children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants should not automatically become citizens.

While the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees citizenship to children born on American soil regardless of their parents’ immigration status, officials say this cannot be the basis for granting a visa.

The U.S. Mission also reminded Nigerians and other visitors that overstaying visas could result in permanent bans or criminal charges.

The latest move reflects Washington’s broader effort to tighten visa screening, especially in countries with high levels of visa misuse.