Washington moves to tighten restrictions on birth tourism and pregnant travelers

Friday 04 September 2026 - 08:25

By: Azzat Manal

Washington moves to tighten restrictions on birth tourism and pregnant travelers

The U.S. administration is considering tougher measures aimed at curbing so-called birth tourism, including possible restrictions on the entry of foreign women who are in advanced stages of pregnancy.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said his department is coordinating with the Justice and Health and Human Services departments to explore new measures designed to prevent foreign nationals from traveling to the United States primarily to give birth and secure U.S. citizenship for their children.

Speaking to Fox News, Mullin said he was working with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Attorney General Todd Blanche on efforts to address what he described as the misuse of birthright citizenship.

According to Mullin, the administration wants to send a clear message that foreign women in their third trimester of pregnancy may face difficulties entering the United States if authorities determine that childbirth is the main purpose of their trip.

The proposed approach comes amid an ongoing political and legal dispute over birthright citizenship in the United States. Courts have blocked or limited the implementation of measures introduced by President Donald Trump that sought to restrict automatic citizenship for certain children born on U.S. soil.

Trump also issued an order in August targeting some foreign nationals whose sole purpose for traveling to the United States was to give birth in order to obtain citizenship for their children.

The issue has faced significant legal challenges. The U.S. Supreme Court has previously blocked efforts to fully eliminate unconditional birthright citizenship, leaving the administration’s broader immigration strategy subject to continued litigation.

The Justice Department has also warned that using tourist visas specifically to give birth in the United States could violate federal law. Authorities have indicated that individuals or organizations involved in arranging such trips could face legal action.

The latest proposals underline Washington’s broader effort to tighten immigration controls and discourage birth tourism, while the legal and political battle over birthright citizenship continues to shape U.S. immigration policy.