US revokes more than 6,000 visas over birth tourism and changes green card filing
Washington says it has passed 6,000 visa cancellations over birth tourism, while November green card filing rules change for two categories of applicants.
On November 12, the United States revoked over 6,000 visas held by individuals who traveled to the country for the purpose of giving birth or who assisted in arranging such trips, according to the Department of State's Birth Tourism Prevention Task Force. This crackdown follows an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump in August, which banned birth tourism.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio further tightened restrictions in September to target individuals who run or profit from commercial birth tourism networks, coaches applicants to lie, and medical providers who facilitate their travel.
The task force, established on August 12, has already revoked more than 600 visas since its inception, surpassing the 4,000 mark by October 31. The department asserts that revocations are typically issued when there are indications that a visa holder may be ineligible for entry or a visa, and that those who misrepresent the purpose of their travel may become permanently ineligible for a U.S. visa or entry.
The department also accuses facilitators of promoting birth tourism, coaching clients to conceal the true reason for their visits, and promising automatic citizenship upon arrival.
In June, an operation by the U.S. embassy in West Africa dismantled a birth tourism network involving more than 100 foreign nationals. Separately, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revised the filing rules for two groups of green card applicants inside the United States: those waiting to adjust status through family-sponsored and employment-based applications.
The updated Dates for Filing chart, announced on November 1, allows some applicants to file before their category is fully current, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements. The revised procedure aligns with the system used by U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. However, filing does not guarantee approval, and applicants should regularly check their priority date on the monthly visa bulletin and consult with the U.S. Embassy in their home country if they have any questions.
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