Will deny visa: US warns against ‘birth tourism’

The US has made it clear that tourist visa applications will be denied if consular officers believe the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in America to secure US citizenship for the child in what is seen as further tightening of the visa vetting procedures.

“US consular officers will deny tourist visa applications if they believe the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to obtain US citizenship for the child. This is not permitted," a spokesperson for the US Embassy in New Delhi said.

The clarification comes amid a broader recalibration of the US government’s visa screening system. The embassy has also confirmed a significant expansion of social media and online presence reviews across additional visa categories.

Beginning December 15, the State Department will also extend online presence vetting to all H-1B specialty occupation worker applicants and their dependents applying under the H-4 category. The review protocol is already in place for F, M and J student and exchange visitor visas.

"The Department of State conducts thorough vetting of all visa applicants, including an online presence review of all student and exchange visitor applicants. Beginning December 15, we are expanding the online presence review to all specialty occupation temporary worker (H-1B) visa applicants and their dependents," the spokesperson said.

Officials underscored that every case will undergo the time and scrutiny required to ensure the applicant poses no security risk and intends to undertake only those activities permitted under the visa class being sought. Routine appointment schedules may shift to accommodate resource constraints, with applicants to be notified directly of any changes.