What Will Happen If You Apply for a US Visa Just to Give Birth, US Embassy Tells Nigerians
- The United States Mission in Nigeria made an important announcement regarding obtaining a visa for the primary purpose of giving birth to secure citizenship for newborns
- The US Mission explained the United States' stance on such an approach and the possible penalties that come with it
- Nigerians have reacted to the US Mission's stance on birth tourism, questioning its implications and citizenship rules
The United States Mission in Nigeria has taken a stance against expecting mothers who procure a United States visa for the sole aim of giving birth to secure citizenship for their newborns.
Source: Getty Images
This was disclosed in a statement on the official X page of the US Mission Nigeria on Wednesday, August 6, as seen by Legit.ng.
The update has sparked reactions, as Nigerians have taken to social media to criticise the US Mission.
According to the statement, the mission emphasised that such an approach isn't allowed under US visa rules, and attempting it could lead to visa denial.
The statement reads, "#Reminder: Using your visa to travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that your child will have U.S. citizenship is not permitted. Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent. #VisaWiseTravelSmart #USVisa"
Nigerians react to the visa ban
Legit.ng gathered some fresh criticism of the examination body by Nigerians on X.com:
@OnunakuDr wrote:
"Policy clarification understood. What happens in the case of expectant mothers who are prone to difficult pregnancies, and might need to be under prolonged specialist care, not often obtainable in their country? Would these be exceptions, and how might they go about proving it? Pretty sure there are genuine cases like this, and some folks might be panicking upon hearing this. Just a thought. Thank you."
@Nattychemical wrote
"What if you guys start doing pregnancy tests and ultrasound scans a few days before the visa interview?
"How does that sound?"
@ELESMANOL wrote
"The best thing to do is don't give a pregnant woman visa. Most Nigerians believe when they get to us and give birth, they don't have to bother about the betterment of their country. That is why they are using this to escape, they are afraid of fighting for good governance"
@esetwits wrote
"Answer me this, my friend, if they then succeed and actually deliver the child in the US, what does the law say? Is that child an American citizen? Just asking for a friend."
@n_wike54806 wrote
"Coming to Africa, especially the Congo (DRC), to extract cobalt and other natural resources while displacing citizens is illegal. But of course, it’s the United States, God’s own country."
Source: Getty Images
US unveils new service provider for Nigerians
Legit.ng previously reported that the US Mission in Nigeria has unveiled a new service provider for Nigerians.
The announcement, made public on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, revealed that with the new service provider, applicants can now apply for their visas and book appointments.
Other services include: payment of the visa application fee and account creation. Other services include: payment of the visa application fee and account creation.
US issues advisory to citizens in Nigeria on possible violence
Legit.ng also reported that the US Embassy in Nigeria has issued an advisory to its citizens in Nigeria, alerting them to possible violence ahead of the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
In a notice on its website, the embassy urged its citizens to avoid rallies as “they can turn violent with little or no notice,”.
Stating that movement would be restricted during the elections, the advisory further said its citizens should have a food and water supply that will last at least three days if movement is not allowed beyond election days.
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Source: Legit.ng
