The United States Mission in Uganda has issued a fresh advisory targeting a growing trend among Ugandans traveling to the US for the sole purpose of giving birth in order to secure American citizenship for newborns a practice now explicitly flagged as a violation under updated US immigration policies.
In a statement released on July 1, 2025, via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the US Mission said visa applicants found to have birth tourism as their primary travel intent will face outright denials.
“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 said. “Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent.”
The advisory is part of a broader crackdown by US immigration authorities who are increasingly scrutinizing temporary visa categories amid rising concerns over visa misuse and immigration fraud.
According to the Mission, Ugandan parents holding tourist visas have, in many cases, delivered babies in the US and subsequently relied on public assistance to cover hefty hospital bills, a move that, according to officials, burdens American taxpayers.
“These costs are passed on to the American taxpayer,” the statement continued. “Such parents may not be eligible to renew their visas in the future.”
Heightened Oversight and Policy Shifts
The warning reflects a wider policy shift by US authorities seeking to tighten entry requirements, particularly for travelers from countries with high rates of visa overstays and suspected immigration abuse.
In June, the US Department of State announced that it was actively considering new restrictions for countries including Uganda, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Sudan, citing increasing incidents of irregular travel behavior.
Though the practice of giving birth in the US has long existed in a legal grey zone, the new emphasis on intent what motivates the trip gives US consular officers greater discretion to deny visa applications even before travel begins.
“Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent,” the Mission reiterated.
The message also serves as a stern reminder that any misrepresentation during the visa process could have long-term consequences, including permanent ineligibility for future travel to the US.
Balancing Travel and Transparency
While the directive is likely to affect a portion of travelers, the US Mission acknowledged that thousands of Ugandans continue to travel to America for legitimate reasons including higher education, advanced medical treatment, business, and family reunification.
Ugandans also make up a growing part of the US-based African diaspora. Estimates suggest that over 30,000 Ugandan immigrants live in the United States, many of whom contribute significantly to Uganda’s economy through remittances and investment.
Yet, this latest development has reignited conversations around immigration integrity, travel ethics, and the balance between personal aspirations and national policy.
