State Department Creates New Task Force to Combat Birth Tourism
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The U.S. Department of State has established a new Birth Tourism Prevention Task Force as part of its effort to prevent the misuse of nonimmigrant visas for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States.
What the task force is doing
The task force is reviewing the activities and travel histories of visa holders worldwide. It uses information from the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and other federal agencies to identify possible cases of birth tourism.
Visas already revoked
According to the State Department, the task force has already revoked more than 600 visas of foreign nationals around the world. It is also targeting individuals and organizations that facilitate or profit from birth tourism.
The consequences the State Department has named
The State Department warned that individuals who intentionally misrepresent the purpose of their travel or entry into the United States could face serious immigration consequences, including possible permanent visa or entry ineligibility.
What this means for travelers
This development shows increased scrutiny of visa applications, travel history, and the stated purpose of travel to the United States. Consistency matters here: the reason given on a visa application, the reason given at the port of entry, and the actual purpose of the trip should be the same.
Permanent ineligibility is among the consequences the State Department has named for intentional misrepresentation of travel purpose. That is not a delay or a fee, it is a bar.
Source: U.S. Department of State