US targets birth tourism facilitators with new visa restrictions

The United States has announced new visa restrictions targeting individuals who knowingly participate in or facilitate commercial birth tourism, including operators of networks and visa fixers.

According to Punch, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the policy Wednesday, saying it would also cover foreign medical providers who knowingly facilitate such travel.

Rubio said the restrictions are being implemented under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act and are intended to protect American citizenship and public benefits.

The State Department said certain family members could also be affected.

Birth tourism involves travelling to the US primarily to give birth so a child obtains American citizenship. Rubio said the measure specifically targets those who knowingly participate in, facilitate or profit from commercial birth tourism.