News
U.S. State Department cracks down on Birth Tourism networks worldwide
The United States Department of State says it is taking steps to stop what it describes as the abuse of the country’s immigration system through birth tourism schemes.
According to the department, under the administration of President Donald Trump, efforts have been intensified to prevent foreign nationals from obtaining visitor visas primarily to travel to the United States and give birth so their children can acquire U.S. citizenship.
The State Department disclosed that a U.S. embassy in West Africa uncovered a sophisticated birth tourism network involving more than 100 foreign nationals.
It said the individuals used fraudulent documents and visa “fixers” to obtain visas for travel to the United States.
Officials indicated that the operation was shut down and the visas of those involved were revoked.
The department added that it is working with local authorities to identify and dismantle similar networks operating in the region.
In Europe, the department said a U.S. embassy identified more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases since 2024.
Investigators reportedly linked the cases to at least six companies that coached visa applicants on how to answer questions during interviews, arranged accommodation in the United States, and organized childbirth plans.
The State Department said the companies’ activities were halted, the visas of those involved were revoked, and several individuals accused of fraud were permanently barred from entering the United States.
Meanwhile, in North Africa, a U.S. embassy revoked more than 100 visas issued to parents who allegedly travelled to the United States mainly to give birth so their children could obtain U.S. citizenship.
The department said consular officers, working with law enforcement agencies and using data analytics, identified several networks that were abusing the visa system and took action against them.
The State Department stressed that a U.S. visa is a privilege and not a right.
It said it will continue to take action globally to stop birth tourism schemes, dismantle fraudulent networks, and hold accountable individuals who attempt to misuse the U.S. immigration system.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Minority in Parliament has called for the immediate resignation or dismissal of the Attorney General, accusing him of incompetence over the release of GH¢350 million from the Contingency Fund for flood relief.
Addressing the media today in Parliament, the Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei alleged that the release of the money breached legal procedures because there were ongoing garnishee proceedings involving the Contingency Fund.
According to her, the Attorney General directed the Governor of the Bank of Ghana to allow the funds to be released despite the pending court process.
“The Attorney General’s letter speaks for itself. It directed the Governor of the Bank of Ghana to give effect to the release of funds from the Contingency Fund notwithstanding the pending garnishee proceedings. Yet the Ministry of Finance subsequently announced that the GH¢350 million had been released,” she stated.
Mrs. Appiagyei argued that the Attorney General’s actions showed incompetence and undermined due legal process.
She said the Minority believes the Attorney General should either resign or be dismissed over the matter.
The Minority maintains that public funds must be managed in accordance with the law and has called for accountability over the release of the money.
By: Jacob Aggrey
U.S. Central Command forces have begun a series of powerful strikes against targets in Iran following attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
The strikes are in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels that were transiting the international waterway with civilian crews.
According to U.S. officials, the operation is intended to impose heavy costs on Iran for targeting and attacking commercial shipping in a critical global trade route.
The U.S. military described Iran’s actions as “unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire.”
Officials said the attacks on the civilian-crewed vessels posed a direct threat to freedom of navigation and the safety of international shipping.
The strikes mark an escalation in U.S. military action in the region aimed at deterring further aggression against commercial traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
U.S. Central Command has not provided details on the specific targets or extent of damage from the strikes. Further updates are expected as the operation continues.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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