New Delhi: Applicants hoping to exploit US tourist visas for childbirth on American soil face a firm roadblock, as the US Embassy in India has issued a stark warning against such practices.
In a recent advisory shared on X, the embassy announced that consular officials will reject B-1/B-2 tourist visa requests outright if they suspect the main intent is to deliver a baby in the United States, thereby securing automatic citizenship for the newborn under the 14th Amendment. “This is not permitted,” the embassy emphasized, underscoring that such “birth tourism” undermines legitimate travel purposes.
The policy clarification arrives amid broader scrutiny of visa applications, particularly as the Trump administration ramps up measures to prevent system abuse. Officials stressed that denials will occur whenever evidence points to childbirth as the primary motive, ensuring that visitors adhere strictly to temporary tourism or business activities.
Compounding these checks, the US is intensifying its examination of applicants’ digital footprints. Starting December 15, social media and online activity reviews—previously limited to student (F, M) and exchange (J) visas—will extend to all H-1B specialty occupation workers and their H-4 family dependents. This expansion follows a directive making such screenings mandatory for these categories, sparking concerns among Indian professionals.
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The shift has already disrupted schedules, with numerous applicants receiving emails about postponed visa interviews. A US embassy spokesperson explained that the Department of State prioritizes thorough vetting to safeguard national security. “In every visa case, we will take the time necessary to ensure an applicant does not pose a risk to the safety and security of the United States and that he or she has credibly established his or her eligibility for the visa sought, including that the applicant intends to engage in activities consistent with the terms of admission,” the spokesperson stated.
This multifaceted approach reflects ongoing efforts to balance immigration enforcement with legitimate mobility, amid rising application volumes from India. For those planning US travel, transparency in stated intentions remains key to avoiding delays or denials.
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