The United States Embassy in Bridgetown has issued a renewed advisory to Caribbean nationals regarding the misuse of non-immigrant visas, particularly in relation to “birth tourism.” The Embassy emphasizes that using a B-1/B-2 visitor visa to enter the United States primarily for the purpose of giving birth—thereby securing US citizenship for the child—is a violation of U.S. immigration law and will not be permitted.

This advisory reiterates long-standing policy reinforced by a regulation implemented by the US Department of State on January 24, 2020, which directs consular officers to deny tourist visa applications when there is reason to believe the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to obtain US citizenship for the child.While travel to the United States for tourism and legitimate medical care is permitted under the B-1/B-2 visa, the U.S. government considers birth tourism a misuse of the visa category. Individuals suspected of engaging in this practice may be denied entry, have their visas revoked, or face future ineligibility for US visas.

Birth tourism has raised national security and immigration concerns in the United States for several years. It is estimated that tens of thousands of babies are born each year to mothers who enter the country on tourist visas. The US government remains committed to preserving the integrity of its immigration system and preventing the exploitation of the Fourteenth Amendment, which grants birthright citizenship to those born on US soil. This advisory serves as a reminder that visa applicants must disclose the true purpose of their travel and comply with all US immigration rules. Misrepresentation may lead to serious consequences, including permanent ineligibility for US visas.

The Embassy encourages all Caribbean nationals to review visa guidelines carefully and to ensure their travel intentions are consistent with the visa category for which they are applying.