The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a strong warning to visa applicants whose main reason for traveling is to give birth in the U.S to secure American citizenship for their child.
Newsonspot reports that in an announcement shared on the official @USinNigeria X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, the Mission stated:
“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.”
The post was tagged with the hashtags #VisaWiseTravelSmart and #USVisa.
This comes as part of the U.S. government’s tightening stance on what is commonly referred to as “birth tourism.”
However, while the U.S. clamps down on such travel, some countries continue to maintain policies that allow unrestricted birthright citizenship, making them potential alternatives for Nigerians seeking this path for their children.
6 Countries Where Nigerians Can Still Secure Birthright Citizenship for Their Children:
1. Canada
Every child born in Canada is granted automatic citizenship. Though the child becomes a citizen immediately, parents must follow separate immigration procedures. Canada holds one of the top 10 most powerful passports in the world.
2. Mexico
Birthright citizenship is guaranteed for all babies born in Mexico, except those born to foreign diplomats. Children automatically gain full citizenship rights.
3. Brazil
Brazilian law guarantees citizenship to all children born on its soil. In addition, parents can apply for residency and become eligible for citizenship after only one year. Brazil’s passport ranks in the global top 20.
4. Argentina
All children born in Argentina are granted citizenship. Their foreign parents can apply for Argentine citizenship after just one year of living in the country.
5. Peru
Peru offers full jus soli (right of the soil). Any child born in the country is granted citizenship. Parents can pursue residency and apply for naturalization after meeting residency requirements. The Peruvian passport provides access to over 130 countries.
6. Costa Rica
Costa Rica grants automatic citizenship to all children born within its territory. Parents may apply for residency after three years and can seek citizenship after ten years. The country is known for its political stability and peaceful environment.
