The United States Embassy in Uganda has announced a new enforcement stance targeting what it calls “birth tourism” — the practice of pregnant women traveling to the U.S. to give birth so that their children automatically acquire American citizenship.
In a public notice issued via X (formerly Twitter), the Embassy stated that consular officers will deny visa applications if they believe an applicant’s main intention is to travel and give birth in the U.S.
“Attention U.S. visa holders! Using your visa to travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that your child will have U.S. citizenship is not permitted,” read part of the embassy’s statement. “Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent.”
According to the statement, there has been an increase in pregnant Ugandan women applying for U.S. tourist visas with the intention of delivering in America. Many later seek medical care under U.S. government programs, transferring those costs to American taxpayers.
The embassy further warned that such applicants may be barred from renewing their visas in the future, and in some cases, existing visas may be revoked.
The move aligns with a broader U.S. immigration policy framework that began under former President Donald Trump in early 2020. These measures directed U.S. consular officers to scrutinize visa applicants suspected of intending to give birth in the U.S. as a pathway to citizenship for their children.
The Trump-era policy argues that birth tourism places a financial burden on public institutions and undermines the credibility of U.S. immigration systems.
Ugandan authorities have also raised red flags on the trend. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Internal Affairs cautioned against the growing number of expectant women leaving the country for childbirth abroad, particularly in the United States.
The U.S. Constitution grants birthright citizenship to anyone born on American soil — a principle enshrined in the 14th Amendment. However, the practice of intentionally traveling to exploit this provision has long been contentious in U.S. immigration debates.
