US Tightens Visa Rules for Pregnant Indian Women, Cracks Down on ‘Birth Tourism’

Washington/New Delhi: The US Embassy in India has announced heightened scrutiny for tourist visa applications from pregnant Indian women, warning that visas will be denied if the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States. This move targets what US authorities call “birth tourism,” where children born on American soil automatically gain citizenship.

The embassy stated, “American consular officers will refuse tourist visa applications if they believe the travel’s main objective is to give birth in the US and secure citizenship for the child. This is not permitted.”

What is Birthright Citizenship?
Under the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, any child born on American soil automatically acquires US citizenship, regardless of the parents’ immigration status. While this grants the child full rights, including eligibility for a US passport, it does not confer citizenship to the parents. Exceptions include children of foreign diplomats on official duty, who are not granted automatic citizenship.

Reason for the New Measures
US officials have observed a rising number of pregnant women entering the country on tourist visas primarily to secure citizenship for their newborns. The Trump administration had previously announced restrictions on such cases, and the new advisory continues this policy under heightened scrutiny.

The embassy’s clarification is expected to discourage travel solely for “birth tourism” and prevent misuse of the US immigration system.