The United States has reiterated that it will deny tourist visa applications if the individual’s primary purpose of travel is believed to be giving birth in the country to obtain US citizenship for the child.
In a post on social media, the US Embassy in India said the US will not process visa applications if there is any indication the tourist intends to give birth on American soil as a shortcut to obtaining citizenship. It said this is not permitted.
The move is part of the US government’s policy to curb what it considers misuse of visitor visas for birth tourism.
US consular officers will deny tourist visa applications if they believe the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to obtain US citizenship for the child. This is not permitted,” the US embassy in India said in the post.
The US has also expanded its review of social media and online presence to cover all H-1B speciality occupation workers and their H-4 dependents. The move comes as several applicants in India got emails informing them that their visa appointments had been rescheduled.
In a statement, a US embassy spokesperson said the Department of State already conducts online presence checks for student and exchange visitor visa categories such as F, M, and J. Starting December 15, this review will also include H-1B and H-4 applicants.
This came after the Trump administration’s recent move to make social media screening mandatory for all H-1B and H-4 applicants. This decision has added fresh uncertainty for thousands of workers and families.