The United States government has issued a renewed advisory cautioning Nigerian nationals against travelling to the U.S. with the sole intention of giving birth, in what officials describe as a misuse of the visitor visa system.
According to a statement released by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria via X (formerly Twitter), consular officers have been instructed to deny visa applications if there is reason to believe the applicant is seeking to exploit the U.S. birthright citizenship policy.
“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 advisory stated.
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The move is part of broader immigration reforms under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has repeatedly sought to curb birthright citizenship—a constitutional right under the 14th Amendment that grants automatic U.S. citizenship to anyone born on American soil.
While the legal framework remains intact, U.S. authorities are intensifying enforcement by tightening visa regulations and increasing scrutiny of applicants suspected of ‘birth tourism.’
In January 2025, President Trump reiterated plans to sign an executive order requiring at least one parent to be a U.S. citizen or lawful resident for a newborn to qualify for citizenship.
Though this proposal has been widely criticized by legal experts and civil rights organizations, a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling limiting the power of federal courts to block presidential actions could pave the way for the policy’s implementation—even as it faces ongoing legal challenges.
The U.S. Department of State has emphasised that travelling under a B1/B2 visa (issued for tourism or business) with the intent to give birth violates visa conditions and constitutes fraud. Such actions may result in visa denial, entry refusal, or future ineligibility.
The implications are particularly significant for Nigeria, one of the top countries with nationals reportedly seeking U.S. citizenship for their children through birth tourism.
U.S. authorities are urging Nigerians to ensure full transparency and compliance with visa rules to avoid sanctions or long-term immigration consequences.
This advisory adds to an evolving narrative of tightened U.S. immigration policy, especially under the Trump administration’s second term, where emphasis has been placed on restricting what it sees as loopholes in the current legal framework for acquiring citizenship.
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