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US to reject tourist visas tied to childbirth plans
The expansion stems from a recent move by the Trump administration to make social media screening mandatory for all H-1B and H-4 applicants.
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Pranavi Sharma - Thu, 11, Dec 2025
- 23:57 EST
- 9
Representative Image / Facebook
The US embassy in India says tourist visas will be denied if officers believe an applicant plans to give birth in the United States to secure citizenship for a child.
The United States will reject tourist visa applications if consular officers believe an applicant intends to give birth in the country during their stay, the US embassy in India said this week.
The embassy announced the policy in a post on X, stating that 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.” The embassy said cases showing such intent will not be processed.
U.S. 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 U.S. citizenship for the child. This is not permitted. pic.twitter.com/Xyq4lkK6V8
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) December 11, 2025
The message follows a broader tightening of visa scrutiny. The embassy said the United States has expanded its review of social media accounts and online presence to include all H-1B specialty occupation workers and their H-4 dependents. Several applicants in India recently received emails informing them that their visa appointments had been rescheduled.
A spokesperson for the embassy said the State Department already reviews online activity for student and exchange visitor categories, including F, M, and J visas. Beginning Dec. 15, that review will extend to H-1B and H-4 applicants.
The expansion stems from a recent move by the Trump administration to make social media screening mandatory for all H-1B and H-4 applicants, adding a new layer of uncertainty for workers and families relying on those visas.
The embassy said each case receives a detailed security review. It added that consular officers assess whether an applicant poses any security risk and whether the individual has “credibly established his or her eligibility for the visa sought, including that the applicant intends to engage in activities consistent with the terms of admission.”
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