By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter D.S
The U.S. Embassy in Freetown has issued a stern warning to Sierra Leonean citizens against traveling to the United States with the intent of giving birth to secure U.S. citizenship for their child. The embassy stated that such intentions would result in the denial of visa applications.
In a recent communication, the embassy clarified, “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.”
This warning comes amidst a series of updates from the U.S. government regarding non-immigrant visas and immigration enforcement. Effective May 9, 2025, the U.S. Department of State implemented a revised fee schedule for non-immigrant visa applications, which now includes a fee of $185 for the B-1/B-2 visitor visas commonly sought for tourism or business.
The embassy’s latest caution builds on earlier warnings regarding misrepresentation and fraudulent documents. On April 8, 2025, the U.S. government highlighted the severe consequences of providing false information, which could lead to a permanent ban from entering the United States. Consular officers have access to an individual’s full immigration history, making it challenging to evade penalties for past violations.
U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan D. Hunt, has previously emphasized the U.S. government’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws. In an op-ed published on April 7, 2025, he advised individuals with family or friends residing illegally in the U.S. to encourage their return home, dispelling myths of undetected entry. He noted significant decreases in illegal border crossings and an increase in arrests of undocumented immigrants within the U.S.
Ambassador Hunt also outlined potential penalties for immigration violations, including three-year or ten-year re-entry bans for overstaying a visa, and permanent lifetime bans for repeat or serious offenses.
The U.S. Embassy’s advisory on “birth tourism” reinforces stricter enforcement of U.S. immigration policies, aiming to deter individuals from misusing non-immigrant visas.
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