Caribbean nationals travelling to the United States for vacation are being warned about the serious implications of misusing their tourist visas.
The United States Embassy in Bridgetown has issued a strong advisory regarding the misuse of non-immigrant visas, particularly concerning “birth tourism.”
The Embassy asserts that using a B-1/B-2 visitor visa to enter the United States primarily to give birth, to secure US citizenship for a child, is a clear violation of U.S. immigration law and will not be tolerated.
This advisory reiterates existing policies reinforced by a regulation enacted by the US Department of State on January 24, 2020, which mandates that consular officers deny tourist visa applications when there is evidence suggesting the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to obtain US citizenship for a child.
While travel to the United States for legitimate tourism and medical care is acceptable under the B-1/B-2 visa, the U.S. government unequivocally considers birth tourism as a misuse of this visa category. Individuals suspected of engaging in this practice may face denial of entry, revocation of their visas, or future ineligibility for U.S. visas.
Birth tourism has raised significant national security and immigration concerns over the years. It is estimated that tens of thousands of babies are born annually to mothers entering the country on tourist visas.
The US government is firmly committed to maintaining the integrity of its immigration system and preventing the exploitation of the Fourteenth Amendment, which grants birthright citizenship.
This advisory serves as a critical reminder: visa applicants must disclose the true purpose of their travel and adhere strictly to all US immigration regulations.
Misrepresentation will result in severe consequences, including permanent ineligibility for US visas. The Embassy strongly urges all Caribbean nationals to meticulously review visa guidelines and ensure their travel intentions align with the visa category for which they are applying.