State Department announces new visa restrictions against those who facilitate 'birth tourism'

The Department of State announced on Wednesday a new visa restriction policy targeting individuals who participate in or facilitate so-called "birth tourism," whereby foreign nationals travel to the country to give birth with the aim of obtaining U.S. citizenship for their children.

The measure was announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who noted that foreign commercial networks have exploited the U.S. immigration system for profit. According to the State Department, these networks charge tens of thousands of dollars and, in some cases, instruct foreign nationals to lie on their visa applications.

The new policy will be enforced under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and will target those who knowingly participate in, have participated in, or facilitate birth tourism to the United States.

Those affected will include owners, operators, and managers of commercial networks dedicated to facilitating these trips, as well as so-called "visa fixers," individuals who prepare applicants to commit fraud in their immigration proceedings.

The measure also targets foreign medical providers who knowingly collaborate with or facilitate these trips and the fraudulent use of the Medicaid system, as well as other individuals who support or enable such activities.

"The Trump Administration is using every tool at our disposal to defend the integrity of U.S. citizenship, protect American public benefits and U.S. taxpayers from exploitation, and safeguard our national security," Rubio stated.

The Secretary of State maintained that, by restricting the issuance of visas to those who participate in and benefit from these practices, the administration seeks to send a clear message: "The United States will not allow foreigners to exploit our immigration system and violate the sanctity of U.S. citizenship."

The State Department clarified that certain family members could also be subject to these restrictions.