KAMPALA, July 2 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The US Mission in Uganda has issued a statement warning Ugandans planning to travel to the United States for the primary purpose of giving birth, stating that such practices are considered “birth tourism” and are not permitted under US immigration policy.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) shared on July 1, the US Mission Uganda said consular officers will deny visa applications if they have reason to believe the applicant intends to travel for childbirth to secure US citizenship for their child.
“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 post reads. “Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent.”
The Mission further noted that many Ugandan parents holding tourist visas have traveled to the United States with the aim of delivering children, often relying on American government assistance to cover medical costs.
“These costs are passed on to the American taxpayer,” the Mission added, saying that such parents “may not be eligible to renew their visas in the future.”
The message comes at a time of growing scrutiny by US immigration authorities, particularly in cases where visitors appear to exploit visa categories meant for temporary stays.
“Birth tourism” has long drawn criticism from US policymakers who argue that it strains public resources and undermines immigration integrity.
The Trump administration continues to tighten access to the US for immigrants from specific countries to protect their interests. Visa overstays and immigration fraud have also been cited as reasons for considering travel bans for countries like Uganda, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Sudan.
In June, the Department of State was considering travel restrictions for Ugandans as concerns about immigration misuse remain high, especially where birthright citizenship is involved.
The US Embassy requires visa applicants to be transparent about the purpose of their travel, warning that misrepresentation can result in future ineligibility for US visas.
The announcement by the mission in Uganda is part of a broader effort by the US Department of State to curb birth tourism and maintain the integrity of its visa system.
There are an estimated more than 30,000 Ugandan immigrants in the US, contributing the highest remittances among the diaspora community. Most Ugandans travel to the US to seek better education and healthcare. — NNN-AGENCIES
