State Department Dismantles International Birth Tourism Networks

The U.S. Department of State dismantled multiple international birth tourism networks on June 10, 2026, revoking hundreds of visas for foreign nationals across Europe, West Africa, and North Africa. These networks utilized visa fixers, fraudulent documentation, and coaching companies to help pregnant women secure visitor visas for the primary purpose of giving birth on American soil to obtain birthright citizenship for their children.

In Europe, investigators identified over 400 cases linked to six companies. Embassies in North and West Africa each revoked over 100 visas as part of the crackdown. Simultaneously, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement targeted a business in Irvine, California, run by a Chinese national that facilitated similar services for more than 500 foreigners.

These enforcement actions align with the broader strategy of the Donald Trump administration to curb perceived abuses of the citizenship system. This effort follows a 2025 executive order signed by President Trump attempting to end birthright citizenship, which was blocked by lower courts and currently awaits a Supreme Court ruling.