From luxury clinics in California to modest hospital wards in British Columbia, thousands of women travel abroad each year not just to give birth—but to secure a second citizenship for their newborns.
Known as birth tourism, the practice continues to raise both ethical questions and immigration concerns across the world. At its core lies one incentive: automatic citizenship in countries where the principle of jus soli—or right of the soil—still applies.
United States: Still the Prime Destination
Despite recent policy crackdowns, the United States remains the most popular destination for birth tourists.
The Center for Immigration Studies estimates that around 36,000 babies are born annually to foreign nationals in the U.S. on temporary visas. Many arrive from China, Russia, Nigeria, and Turkey, often staying in short-term rental apartments near private birthing clinics.
The U.S. government, under both Republican and Democratic administrations, has voiced concern over the industry, citing national security and healthcare costs.
In 2020, the Trump-era visa policy required U.S. consular officers to deny B-1/B-2 tourist visas if they believed a visitor’s primary purpose was to give birth. The directive remains under review but continues to shape embassy guidelines worldwide.
Canada: Liberal Laws, Local Tensions
Canada’s unconditional birthright citizenship has seen hospitals—particularly in British Columbia—report rising numbers of non-resident births. In 2020, nearly 4,400 babies were born to foreign nationals with no permanent status, sparking debate over taxpayer-funded health services.
Dr. Wendy Norman, a public health researcher at the University of British Columbia, told the BBC:
“We’ve seen spikes of up to 25% of births in some hospitals from non-resident mothers. It places pressure on maternity wards and raises fairness questions for Canadians.”
While the federal government has resisted calls to reform birthright laws, some provinces have requested reimbursement mechanisms or policy reviews.
Brazil and Mexico: New Frontiers for Chinese Families
Brazil has emerged as a notable alternative for Chinese families seeking birthright citizenship abroad. Its constitution guarantees nationality to all children born on Brazilian soil, and its passport provides visa-free access to over 170 countries.
Several Chinese-language websites offer “birth in Brazil” travel packages, including translators, hospital booking, and postpartum care.
Immigration lawyer Alexey Nosovsky of legal consultancy firm iWorld says Brazil stands out as a top choice for families seeking birthright citizenship abroad:
“Brazil is currently one of the most attractive options for families considering giving birth abroad as a pathway to second citizenship. Unlike many other countries, it offers both unconditional birthright citizenship and a clear legal process for parents to obtain residency. This makes Brazil a unique opportunity for those thinking not just about the child’s future, but the long-term prospects of the entire family.”
Mexico has also seen an increase in American families crossing the border, not to flee hardship, but to give their child dual citizenship—potentially easing future travel or schooling.
Europe and Australia: Legal Walls Around Citizenship
Many developed countries have reformed or restricted birthright citizenship in recent decades.
- Australia, since 1986, requires at least one parent to be a citizen or permanent resident.
- Ireland, once the last EU nation to offer unconditional jus soli, ended the policy in 2005.
- The UK allows birthright citizenship only if a parent is legally “settled”.
Consequently, birth tourism in these regions remains rare and typically anecdotal.
The Global Citizenship Debate
As migration trends shift and populations grow more mobile, citizenship laws have become a central pillar of national identity.
With rising calls to restrict jus soli, particularly in the U.S. and Canada, the debate around birth tourism is unlikely to fade.
For now, the question remains: Should citizenship be a birthright — or a privilege earned over time?
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