The US Embassy in India has issued a clear warning: tourist visa applications will be denied if officers believe the applicant intends to give birth in the United States as a way to secure American citizenship for the child.
In a post on X, the embassy stated that using a tourist visa to deliver a child in the US; often termed “birth tourism”; is not permitted under American immigration rules.
The post read: “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 announcement comes at a time when the US has also expanded its online-presence and social-media screening for all H-1B speciality workers and their H-4 dependents.
Many applicants in India recently received emails saying their appointments had been rescheduled due to these enhanced vetting procedures.
A US Embassy spokesperson clarified that online presence checks have long been applied to student and exchange visitor visas (F, M, J), and beginning December 15, the same will apply to H-1B and H-4 categories.
The policy aligns with the Trump administration’s recent directive making social-media review mandatory for these applicants.
The embassy added that every visa undergoes a rigorous security review: “We take the time necessary to ensure an applicant does not pose a risk to the safety and security of the United States and that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the visa’s terms.”
The new measures have added another layer of uncertainty for thousands of Indian workers, students, and families navigating the US visa process.
