Kampala, Uganda – The United States Mission in Uganda has issued a stern advisory targeting Ugandan nationals who travel to the U.S. on tourist visas with the primary intention of giving birth, a practice the embassy says violates U.S. immigration laws and places an undue burden on American taxpayers.
“Traveling to the United States on a visitor visa with the main purpose of giving birth to obtain U.S. citizenship for the child is not permitted,” read part of the statement released on Tuesday by the U.S. Embassy in Kampala.
The embassy revealed that many Ugandan parents have been found traveling to the U.S. on B1/B2 visas (commonly used for tourism or medical treatment), only to use public hospitals and U.S. government aid programs to cover childbirth expenses.
The embassy emphasized that this is considered a misrepresentation of visa intent, a serious violation that could lead to visa revocation or permanent bans.
“These costs are passed on to the American taxpayer,” the statement added, highlighting concerns over increasing cases of birth tourism.
Under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, any child born on American soil automatically acquires U.S. citizenship. However, using a non-immigrant visa to exploit that provision can be grounds for visa fraud, inadmissibility, or deportation.
U.S. authorities now warn that visa applicants may face additional scrutiny at interviews, expectant mothers may be denied entry if suspected of traveling to give birth, and past violators may be placed on permanent ineligibility lists.
The announcement has sparked a lively debate online, with many Ugandans expressing shock while others admitted the practice has become an open secret among the elite.
“Everyone knows someone who’s done it,” tweeted one user. “It’s just that now the embassy is cracking down harder.”
Others questioned the double standards of U.S. immigration policy, while some lauded the embassy for enforcing visa integrity.
Ugandan gynecologists and immigration experts say the issue goes beyond just travel, it speaks to social inequality, where wealthier families can afford overseas births to secure better futures for their children.
Dr. Sarah Namaganda, a Kampala-based obstetrician, says she’s often been asked to provide medical referral letters to help expectant mothers qualify for U.S. medical visas.
“It’s risky. If a visa officer suspects any dishonesty or misrepresentation, your entire immigration history can be jeopardized,” she said.
The U.S. Mission urged Ugandans to review their visa conditions and ensure they declare their true purpose of travel during interviews and border entry checks.
It also warned that any attempt to misuse U.S. taxpayer resources could affect future visa eligibility for the individual and their family members.
The U.S. warning comes amid a global trend of tightening immigration rules, especially related to birthright citizenship. Similar concerns have been raised in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and China, where birth tourism has also surged.
Ugandan travelers are advised to respect international laws and avoid visa abuse, which not only harms bilateral trust but can also permanently damage personal immigration records.
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