The US Mission in Nigeria has warned visa applicants against traveling to the US with the intent of giving birth so their child can obtain American citizenship.

According to the embassy, requesting visa with the sole aim of giving birth in the United States is not permitted. It added that consular officers will deny visa applications if they have reason to believe that this is the applicant’s intent.

“Using your visa to travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that your child will have US citizenship is not permitted,” the mission stated in a Facebook post.

“Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent,” it added.

This warning comes amidst a US crackdown on migration and stricter immigration policy, which has intensified since Donald Trump’s return to office.

The administration has reintroduced travel bans, reduced eligibility for visa interview waivers, increased visa fees, and expanded social media checks for applicants.

A key focus has also been curbing birth tourism, the practice of travelling to the US primarily to give birth so the child obtains American citizenship, with consular officers instructed to refuse visas if they suspect such intent.

President Trump has also sought to abolish automatic birthright citizenship for children born in the US to parents who are neither citizens nor lawful permanent residents.

However, US courts have stated that Mr Trump’s policy violates the Constitution’s 14th Amendment.

Meanwhile, the “big beautiful bill”, recently signed into law, requires Nigerians and citizens of other countries seeking entry into the US to pay a $250 ‘visa integrity fee’ before they are granted entry.

This new fee is in addition to other charges, including the standard visa application fee, which already costs over $160 in Nigeria.

The fee applies to all visitors requiring non-immigrant visas to enter the United States and cannot be waived.

This includes tourists, business travellers and international students.