U.S. Embassy issues caution to Georgians: Avoid using visas for travel related to childbirth
The United States has strengthened its visa policies to combat the practice of "birth tourism," where individuals travel to the U.S. to give birth and secure U.S. citizenship for their children. This heightened scrutiny applies universally across U.S. embassies and consulates, including the U.S. Embassy in Georgia.
The U.S. maintains birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment, but the Department of State has increased oversight to prevent abuse of immigration laws. Consular officers are authorized to deny B-2 tourist visas if they suspect an applicant's primary intent is to give birth in the U.S. for the purpose of securing citizenship for the child.
Pregnant women, especially those visibly pregnant, face higher scrutiny and must demonstrate a clear, legitimate reason for traveling to the U.S. Applicants should ensure they have a valid reason for travel beyond giving birth, and should provide comprehensive documentation supporting the trip's purpose. They should also be prepared to address any questions about travel intentions during consular interviews.
If a consular officer determines that the primary intent of travel is to give birth in the U.S. to obtain citizenship for the child, the visa will be denied. Misrepresenting travel purpose during the U.S. visa application process can lead to visa denial.
The U.S. Embassy in Georgia's statement on increased scrutiny of visa applicants includes a warning against using U.S. visas for childbirth travel to secure automatic citizenship for children. The embassy has cautioned against misrepresentation during U.S. visa applications for childbirth travel, emphasizing that using a U.S. visa for this purpose is a violation of U.S. visa policies.
The embassy's statement was released via its official Facebook page, warning Georgian nationals against using U.S. visas for giving birth in the U.S. to secure automatic citizenship for their children. The notice warns that violations such as visa fraud can lead to severe consequences, including deportation and visa bans.
In summary, while there is no specific information about the U.S. Embassy in Georgia's stance, travelers should be aware of the general U.S. policies regarding birth tourism and be prepared to address any scrutiny related to their travel intentions. Travelers are advised to provide honest and comprehensive information during their visa application process to avoid any potential issues.
The U.S. Department of State has increased oversight in determining visa eligibility to prevent abuse of immigration laws, particularly in the case of B-2 tourist visas. In the urgent need for travel documentation, it's crucial to have a valid business or financial purpose beyond giving birth in the United States.
