US Birth Tourism Crackdown Revokes Over 600 Visas
The US government has stepped up its crackdown on 'birth tourism', revoking over 600 visas in the past month, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Birth tourism refers to traveling to another country with the primary purpose of giving birth so that the child may obtain citizenship.
Rubio said the task force has been examining visa-holder activity, travel histories and information shared across US government agencies to identify suspected birth tourism networks. The task force has also been reviewing people who already hold visas, including their travel histories.
The State Department warned that the US would use its immigration powers to target networks that facilitate such travel. Rubio emphasized that 'American citizenship is not for sale' and that the government's position was clear: those found guilty of misrepresenting their intentions would face consequences.