US issues warning for Indian travellers: Warns tourist visas will be rejected if purpose is birth tourism
The US Embassy has said that visitors planning childbirth in United States risk instant visa refusal. Rules also tightened on H-1B and H-4 applicants.
US Visa Update: The United States Embassy in India(BHARAT) has issued a warning that visitors who are planning birth tourism in America will face instant refusal. Tighter online checks will be initiated for H-1B and H-4 applicants starting from December 15, as Washington tightens rules for both tourist and work visa categories for India(BHARAT)n travellers. The embassy highlighted that consular officers are now closely monitoring stated travel reasons. It is to be noted that the applications can be rejected during interviews if the officer finds out any hidden plan to misuse the travel visa for childbirth, bypassing the US immigration rules.
US Embassy Birth Tourism Visa Warning: Misuse Of B-1/B-2 Category
The US embassy in India(BHARAT) took to X and informed that the mission is taking a stricter approach on B-1/B-2 applicants over “birth tourism”. It highlighted that any suspected attempt to gain citizenship for a the new born baby by misusing a visitor visa will face immediate rejection.
Echoing its formal regulations, the embassy said, “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.”
US Embassy Birth Tourism Visa Warning: Backed By State Department Concerns
The US State Department has already highlighted the practice and misuse of tourist visas for birth tourism, arguing that it burdens public services. As per an earlier statement, “It is unacceptable for foreign parents to use a US tourist visa for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain citizenship for the child, which also could result in American taxpayers paying the medical care costs.”
Apart from tightening rules for visitor visas, US authorities are also implementing enhanced digital vetting for employment-linked visas. As per reports, from December 15, professionals with an H-1B visa and H-4 dependents have to provide access to online accounts for scrutiny. This also include those seeking renewal. Notably, this rule has already implemented on F, M and J categories.
Check the table that summarises crucial elements of the tightened approach:
| Policy Area | Visa/Programme | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Birth tourism rule | B-1/B-2 | Officers deny visas if travel’s main purpose is childbirth for US citizenship. |
| Online vetting start date | H-1B, H-4 | From December 15, all applicants must provide access to online accounts. |
| Share of India(BHARAT)n applicants | H-1B, H-4 EAD | Over 70% of H-1B and nearly 90% of H-4 EAD holders are India(BHARAT)n. |
| Extra screening proposal | Visa Waiver Programme | Five years of social media history planned for 40 participating countries. |
It is to be noted that India(BHARAT)n nationals are now fear potential refusals as officers review social media activities under work-related visa classes. India(BHARAT)n nationals are the ones who receive over 70 percent H-1B visa approvals and about 90 percent of H-4 EAD benefits.
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