Trump Administration Warns Foreigners Against Giving Birth in the US for American Citizenship

The US State Department has warned that individuals travelling to the United States primarily to give birth, for the purpose of securing citizenship for the child, will face visa denial.

The announcement signals a tightening of visa regulations under President Donald Trump's administration, affecting foreign nationals including Kenyan citizens. The State Department of Consular Affairs stated on 29 August that consular officers will deny visa applications if they suspect the applicant intends to secure US citizenship for their newborn. 

This policy targets what officials describe as the misuse of tourist visas for maternity-related travel. Concerns have grown over foreign nationals allegedly exploiting the US birthright citizenship provision by entering the country on temporary visas to deliver children. US officials argue that using a visa for this purpose contravenes the intended use of non-immigrant travel documents and undermines immigration integrity, even though the practice is not explicitly illegal.

These changes are part of broader reforms aimed at curbing visa overstays and tightening entry conditions. On 27 August, the Department of Homeland Security proposed shortening the duration of stay for certain visa categories, including those issued to international students and foreign journalists. 

Officials said that national security risks and economic burdens justify these changes, claiming previous administrations had lax enforcement which allowed visa holders to remain in the country for extended periods. The Trump administration is placing increased emphasis on immigration control and administrative scrutiny, with these policy changes extending beyond US borders. 

The US embassy in Nairobi recently introduced new requirements for Kenyan visa applicants, mandating the disclosure of all social media handles used over the past five years. This measure, applied to those completing the DS-160 form for temporary travel, is part of a global effort to enhance vetting procedures and assess applicants' digital activity.