The United States is now strictly cracking down on birth tourism in the country. The authorities are actively denying or cancelling visa applications for people travelling to the US to give birth and are taking strict action against companies helping them. Keep reading to know what birth tourism is and why the US is so against it.
US Visa Rules Target Birth Tourism
The United States has now announced a visa restriction policy to target people engaging in or facilitating ‘birth tourism’. This is when a pregnant woman travels to the United States just to give birth there so that her baby automatically gets US citizenship. According to News18, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has clarified that this new visa policy is aimed at individuals and commercial networks that use the country’s immigration system to arrange travel and births for US citizenship for their children.
According to the authorities, commercial birth tourism networks have exploited the US immigration system to sell American citizenship for profit. By restricting visa issuance for those who engage in and profit from birth tourism, the US is sending a clear message that it will not allow foreigners to exploit its immigration system and violate the sanctity of US citizenship.
Also Read: US Visa Changes: H-1B Visa’s $100,000 Fee Extended, Social Media Checks Expand From Oct 1
What Indian Travellers Should Know
Now, let’s talk about what Indian travellers should know. It is very clear that a visitor visa cannot be used for birth tourism at any cost. According to the US State Department, birth tourism, where the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to obtain US citizenship for the child, is not permissible on a visitor visa.
US consular officers can deny tourist visa applications if they have reason to believe that the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States. According to News18, owners, operators and managers of commercial birth tourism businesses, as well as visa fixers, can face visa restrictions. This also includes foreign medical providers who knowingly assist such travel and the fraudulent use of the US Medicaid system.
Also Read: Visa-Free Entry To Malaysia? Indians Warned Against Using It To Look For Or Take Up Jobs
What do you think of this new visa policy? Do share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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FAQs
What is birth tourism?
Birth tourism is when someone travels to another country to give birth there so their child can obtain citizenship.
Is it tough to get a US visa?
Getting a US visa is not hard, but its approval depends on many factors, like strong ties to your home and interviews.
