International

US Uncovers Birth Tourism Fraud Networks in Africa, Revokes Over 600 Visas Globally

Published

2 hours ago

June 11, 2026

US Uncovers Birth Tourism Fraud Networks in Africa, Revokes Over 600 Visas Globally

The United States Department of State has uncovered and dismantled multiple birth tourism fraud networks operating across Africa and Europe, revoking hundreds of visas and permanently banning several fraudsters from ever traveling to the United States again.

The crackdown, announced in a statement posted on the State Department’s official X handle on Wednesday, is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to defend what it describes as “the integrity of U.S. citizenship” by ending illegal schemes designed to exploit the nation’s birthright citizenship laws.

In total, the United States has revoked more than 600 visas issued to foreign nationals who used birth tourism schemes to secure American citizenship for their children. The State Department confirmed that the revocations spanned three continents, with significant operations identified in West Africa, North Africa, and Europe.

A U.S. visa is “a privilege, not a right,” the department emphasized, adding that it is “taking action around the world to stop this abuse, dismantle birth tourism networks, and hold accountable those who try to scam our system.”

According to the State Department, a U.S. embassy in West Africa uncovered a sophisticated birth tourism network involving more than 100 foreign nationals who allegedly used fraudulent documents and visa “fixers” to secure entry into the United States. The operation uncovered a scheme in which individuals allegedly used fraudulent documents and visa facilitators to obtain U.S. visitor visas for the purpose of giving birth on American soil, allowing their children to acquire U.S. citizenship by birthright. The State Department did not disclose the specific West African country or countries involved in the operation.

“We shut it down, revoked these foreign nationals’ visas, and are coordinating with local authorities to systematically identify and cut off any similar operations,” the department stated.

The crackdown extended beyond Africa. A U.S. embassy in Europe identified more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases since 2024, according to the State Department. Investigators traced these cases to at least six companies that operated sophisticated coaching schemes. These firms allegedly coached applicants on exactly what to say during their visa interviews, arranged housing accommodations in the United States, and set up delivery plans and medical arrangements.

“We shut it down, revoked their visas, and permanently banned several fraudsters from traveling to the United States ever again,” the State Department said.

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In North Africa, a U.S. embassy revoked over 100 visas issued to “birth tourist” parents who traveled to the United States primarily to give birth so their children could acquire American citizenship. The State Department noted that consular officers, working alongside law enforcement agencies and employing advanced data analytics and information cross-referencing, were able to identify multiple networks abusing the system and put a stop to their operations.

The State Department reiterated its firm stance on the issue, emphasizing that visitor visas cannot be issued to foreign nationals whose primary purpose is to obtain U.S. citizenship for a child through birth on American soil. “Under President Trump, the State Department is defending the integrity of U.S. citizenship by ending illegal birth tourism schemes. No foreigner is permitted to obtain a visitor visa for the primary purpose of acquiring U.S. citizenship for a child by giving birth in the U.S.,” the department stated.

The announcement comes amid increased federal government scrutiny of visa applications linked to potential birth tourism schemes. The State Department noted that consular authorities can deny or revoke visas if they determine there was fraud, misrepresentation of information, or misuse of the process.

The crackdown comes amid heightened scrutiny of birth tourism, a practice that has drawn strong opposition from the Trump administration. The U.S. Constitution currently guarantees birthright citizenship to “all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof” under the 14th Amendment. However, President Trump has long argued that foreign nationals exploit this provision by traveling to the U.S. to give birth, thereby driving up migration numbers. Just hours after taking office in January, Trump issued an executive order ending the birthright citizenship privilege.

The executive order decrees that children born to parents in the United States illegally or on temporary visas would not automatically become citizens—a radical reinterpretation of the 14th Amendment. The Trump administration has argued that the 14th Amendment, passed in the wake of the Civil War, addresses the rights of former slaves and not the children of undocumented migrants or temporary U.S. visitors.

The legality of the president’s executive order remains uncertain, as it is currently blocked by court injunctions. Lower courts have blocked the move as unconstitutional, ruling that under the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment, nearly everyone born on U.S. soil is an American citizen. The matter has reached the Supreme Court, which heard arguments in April. However, the Supreme Court avoided ruling on the constitutionality of Trump’s executive order and only addressed the issue of nationwide injunctions. The court permitted the order to go ahead but delayed its ruling from taking effect to allow for new court challenges.

President Trump has maintained an unprecedented campaign to pressure the Supreme Court, saying it would be a “disgrace” if the independent justices rule against him on U.S. birthright citizenship. On April 1, Trump added to his pressure on the court by attending a hearing on the birthright case in person, the first sitting president to join the audience in history.

The State Department has consistently warned foreign nationals against engaging in birth tourism, promising strict penalties for violators. In July 2025, the U.S. embassy in Nigeria cautioned Nigerians against traveling to the country with the primary intention of giving birth and claiming U.S. citizenship for their children. The embassy made clear that such travel applications would be denied if consular officers had reason to believe that birthright citizenship was the main motivation for the trip.

In January 2020, the U.S. government changed visitor visa regulations, allowing consular officers to deny applications where they believe the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to secure citizenship for a child. That regulation remains in force and has become a key tool in U.S. efforts to tackle birth tourism.

The State Department emphasized that a U.S. visa is “a privilege, not a right” and that the department is taking action around the world to stop abuse of the system. “The State Department is taking action around the world to stop this abuse, dismantle birth tourism networks, and hold accountable those who try to scam our system,” the department stated.

The crackdown represents a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s efforts to tighten immigration controls and combat visa fraud on a global scale. The State Department did not publicly identify the specific countries where the alleged networks operated beyond regional designations. So far, no information has been released regarding whether any arrests have been made in connection with the uncovered networks or the specific nationalities of those affected.

US Uncovers Birth Tourism Fraud Networks in Africa, Revokes Over 600 Visas Globally

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Ceasefire Near Collapse as US Launches Second Night of Strikes on Iran

International

Ceasefire Near Collapse as US Launches Second Night of Strikes on Iran

Published

3 hours ago

June 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Ceasefire Near Collapse as US Launches Second Night of Strikes on Iran

The United States has launched fresh military strikes against Iran for the second consecutive night, following a direct order from President Donald Trump. The operation marks a sharp escalation in the ongoing conflict and signals the near-total collapse of the two-month-old ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.

According to a statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) , the latest strikes began at 5:15 p.m. ET on Wednesday and targeted multiple locations inside Iran. The military action concluded less than two hours later.

“U.S. Central Command forces began launching additional self-defense strikes today at 5:15 p.m. ET against multiple targets in Iran at the Commander in Chief’s direction,” CENTCOM said in a public statement. “The strikes are in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression.”

The second wave of US strikes focused on disabling Iranian military infrastructure, including military surveillance facilities, communication systems, air defense sites, radar installations, ground control stations, and drone command-and-control units. Precision munitions, including 49 Tomahawk missiles, were fired by US Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps assets.

Iranian state media reported explosions in multiple southern cities, including Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Minab, Kangan, and Tehran. Residents in the capital heard air defense sirens, while two water reservoirs in Sirik were reportedly struck, leaving an estimated 20,000 residents without clean drinking water amid scorching summer temperatures.

Hours before the strikes began, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited CENTCOM headquarters in Tampa, Florida, and delivered a stark warning. “Central Command will be busy tonight because President Trump said we will be hitting Iran hard, and we will be,” Hegseth told reporters.

He added, in remarks that quickly went viral: “As President Trump said, they’ve been tap, tap, tapping. Instead, they’re going to have tap, tap, tap bombs dropping on key facilities in Iran from the United States of America.” Hegseth made clear that the Pentagon is prepared to escalate further unless Iran agrees to a US-backed nuclear and security deal. “If we need to negotiate with bombs, we’ll negotiate with bombs,” he said.

Iran has not remained passive. Following the second night of US strikes, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched its own retaliatory attacks against US assets in the region. Key Iranian counterstrikes include 12 ballistic missiles fired at the Muwaffaq Salti Airbase in Jordan, drone and missile attacks on US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, and a claimed interception of a US F-16 fighter jet over the Persian Gulf, though this remains unconfirmed.

Bahrain’s interior ministry confirmed that air raid sirens sounded in Manama and Hamad Town, with falling shrapnel damaging homes and vehicles. An 11-year-old girl sustained minor injuries. Jordan’s armed forces reported shooting down five Iranian missiles, with no casualties. Kuwait’s army said its air defenses were actively engaging hostile aerial targets.

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In the most serious escalation yet, Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters declared the Strait of Hormuz “fully closed” effective immediately. Iranian military officials warned that “any movement will be targeted,” including oil tankers and commercial vessels. The strait is a critical chokepoint through which approximately 20% of the world’s crude oil passes. However, CENTCOM disputed Iran’s claim, stating that “commercial ships are continuing to transit in and out of the Strait of Hormuz tonight.”

President Trump, speaking to Fox News following the strikes, doubled down on his强硬 stance. “We hit them hard yesterday, and we’re going to hit them hard again today,” Trump said. “The Iranians asked me to stop the bombings. We will stop soon — but we’ll turn them to dust if they don’t agree with us tomorrow.” Trump accused Iranian negotiators of “playing us for suckers” and dragging out peace talks. He reiterated that any final deal must prevent Iran from ever acquiring a nuclear weapon — a goal Iran denies pursuing.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking just before the latest US strikes, vowed that Tehran would not bend. “Vital infrastructure is the lifeline of the people. Threatening to target them — from transportation networks to electricity and water industries — is not a display of power but a sign of desperation,” Pezeshkian wrote on X. He added: “Iran will stand firm against any pressure or threat.”

The April ceasefire — which had temporarily halted a conflict that began in late February — is now effectively dead. UN Secretary General António Guterres warned that the Middle East is “being pulled deeper into crisis,” adding that “the ceasefire is more like a lesser-fire.”

Global markets are feeling the pressure. Oil prices rose nearly $3 to $94 per barrel following Trump’s escalation threats. The Strait of Hormuz disruptions threaten to choke one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas supply.

Despite the military escalation, diplomatic efforts continue. A Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran on Wednesday, and the White House reportedly sent a direct message through Qatari mediators, emphasizing that the strikes were retaliatory and not intended to start a full-scale war. Whether that message will be heard amid the sound of explosions remains uncertain.

Ceasefire Near Collapse as US Launches Second Night of Strikes on Iran

International

Iran Shuts Strait of Hormuz, Threatens to Target All Ships After New US Strikes

Published

3 hours ago

June 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Strait of Hormuz

Iran Shuts Strait of Hormuz, Threatens to Target All Ships After New US Strikes

Iran has announced the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime oil routes, following a fresh wave of US airstrikes on Iran, escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington and raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

The announcement was made on Thursday by Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which warned that any vessel attempting to pass through the strategic waterway would be considered a legitimate target.

According to statements carried by Iranian state media and the Tasnim News Agency, Iranian military authorities declared that the Strait of Hormuz had been “completely closed to all types of vessels,” including commercial ships and oil tankers.

“Any vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz will be targeted,” the command said, accusing the United States of continuing military aggression against Iran.

Iranian naval officials, quoted by state television IRIB and the Mehr News Agency, also claimed that two vessels attempting to transit the waterway were struck after allegedly violating the closure order.

The development came shortly after the United States launched another round of military operations against Iranian targets, marking the second consecutive night of strikes ordered by US President Donald Trump.

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In a statement, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces had carried out additional military action against multiple targets inside Iran.

“US Central Command forces began launching additional self-defense strikes today at 5:15 p.m. ET against multiple targets in Iran at the Commander in Chief’s direction,” CENTCOM said.

“The strikes are in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression.”

US officials said the operation targeted military facilities, surveillance systems, communications infrastructure and air defence assets believed to pose threats to American forces and international shipping in the region.

Earlier, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled that further military action could follow if Iran failed to agree to terms being pursued by the Trump administration.

The Strait of Hormuz is widely regarded as one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, serving as a passage for a significant portion of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports.

The closure announcement immediately sent shockwaves through global financial and energy markets, with oil prices surging amid concerns that a prolonged disruption could impact international energy supplies and shipping routes.

However, conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the actual status of maritime traffic through the waterway. While Iranian authorities insist the route is fully closed and under military enforcement, US officials have challenged the claim, maintaining that shipping activity remains possible.

The latest escalation has heightened fears of a broader confrontation in the Middle East, with governments, energy traders and shipping companies closely monitoring developments in the Iran-US conflict and the future of the Strait of Hormuz.

The waterway connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and is considered vital to global trade, making any disruption a matter of international concern.

Iran Shuts Strait of Hormuz, Threatens to Target All Ships After New US Strikes

International

US Launches Fresh Strikes on Iran After Apache Helicopter Downing

Published

23 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Trends Admin

US Launches Fresh Strikes on Iran After Apache Helicopter Downing

The United States on Tuesday launched a new wave of military strikes against Iran, describing the operation as a response to the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter off the coast of Oman a day earlier. In a post on social media, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes began at 5 p.m. EDT (2100 GMT) and were carried out as “self-defense strikes.” According to the command, the attacks were a “proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression.” A US official told CNN that the latest operation was intended to serve as a warning to Iran and that Washington does not believe the strikes will derail ongoing efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict. Sources familiar with the operation told CNN that the initial strikes targeted Iranian air defense and radar systems around the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway critical to global energy supplies. One of the sources said additional strikes were expected. According to CBS News, two unnamed US officials confirmed that among the targets of the airstrike “were Iranian military radar stations.”

The military action follows the downing of a US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter on Monday, June 8, 2026. According to a source familiar with the incident, the aircraft was struck by an Iranian Shahed drone. However, a US official said it remains unclear whether the drone deliberately targeted the helicopter or whether the strike was accidental. CBS News, citing an anonymous source familiar with the matter, reported that the AH-64 helicopter crashed because it “collided with an Iranian military Shahed-136 suicide drone.” The source did not specify whether the collision was a random incident or had other causes. US President Donald Trump confirmed the incident on Truth Social, stating: “I have just been informed by our Great Military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz. There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack.” The Apache helicopter has played a significant role in the conflict, particularly in efforts to intercept and destroy Iranian drones. Used by the United States and regional allies including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the aircraft is equipped with a 30-millimeter chain gun and rockets that military analysts regard as a cost-effective tool against drone threats. This marks the first loss of such equipment since the start of the war with Iran.

In a first-of-its-kind operation, the two crew members of the downed Apache were rescued by an uncrewed surface drone (USV) operated by US Naval Forces Central Command. The military noted that the rescue operation involved a US Navy Corsair-class unmanned surface vessel, which entered service in late March 2026. The vessel transported the pilots to another location on the water, where they were picked up by a helicopter. According to CENTCOM, both soldiers were rescued in stable condition.

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In response to the downing, CENTCOM announced that US fighter jets from the Air Force and Navy struck multiple Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz. According to Axios, citing a US official, the targets included Iranian air defense systems, ground control stations, and surveillance radar sites in the south of the country. Explosions were reported across several locations along Iran’s southern coast, including Sirik, Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, Jask, and Kouh-e Mobarak. US House Speaker Mike Johnson described the strikes as “proportional and limited” and noted that he was at the White House with President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth when the decision was made to resume attacks on Iran. “We lament that it became necessary,” Johnson said. The strikes were “completed” after more than three hours of military action, with CENTCOM adding that the US remained ready to defend against “unjustified Iranian aggression.”

Soon after the US strikes, Iran launched broad retaliatory attacks against American targets across the region. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had launched a missile attack at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan — a facility known to host US F-35 fighter jets and other aircraft — as well as targeting sites in Kuwait and Bahrain. Kuwait’s military said its air defense systems were engaging what it described as “hostile aerial targets,” and both Kuwait and Bahrain activated emergency alerts and reported that air defenses were active in repelling attacks. Jordan’s armed forces said they intercepted and shot down five missiles launched from Iran toward the al-Azraq area in Jordan. The military stated that debris from the interception operation fell on Jordanian territory but caused no injuries or material damage. Officials added that explosives experts were examining debris recovered from the intercepted missiles.

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Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a stern warning to the United States in the aftermath of the renewed attacks, stating that “no attack will go unanswered.” In a post on X, Araghchi wrote: “Our Powerful Armed Forces will leave no attack or threat unanswered. Leave our region if you want to be safe.” Earlier, Araghchi had warned that foreign military forces near Iran’s territory “are at constant risk on account of their own human errors, plain accidents or potentially being caught in crossfire,” adding that “to reduce risk, best solution is for them to leave. We prefer language of diplomacy but speak other languages too.” Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf also struck a defiant tone on social media, posting: “We prefer the language of diplomacy, but we speak other languages far more fluently. Break your commitments, and we’ll switch to what we speak best.”

The IRGC stated that US strikes had damaged a telecommunications tower and two water tanks in Iran. Iranian state media reported that two water storage tanks in Sirik’s Bamani district were damaged, disrupting local drinking water supplies. Iran acknowledged strikes around Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island but provided no further details on military damage. US officials have yet to comment on reports of attacks on US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, and it remains unclear if there has been any damage or casualties from the Iranian retaliation.

The latest strikes mark another escalation in the conflict between Washington and Tehran, even as diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire and broader peace agreement continue. Notably, the exchange of fire came despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. Earlier this week, US Vice President JD Vance disclosed that Washington and Tehran were close to agreeing on a deal to extend their ceasefire, but the potential breakthrough still hung on President Trump’s approval. President Trump has reportedly told aides that an agreement with Iran remains achievable. According to Politico, a senior White House official stated that “nothing changes where the deal stands right now” and that Trump believes an Iran deal is “still close” despite the retaliatory strikes. Trump himself had predicted on Monday that the US would achieve “total victory” over Iran within two weeks, expressing confidence that negotiations would ultimately produce a breakthrough. However, the downing of the Apache and subsequent strikes have further strained a fragile ceasefire that had been in place since April, threatening to unravel diplomatic progress. The conflict, now in its fourth month, began when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026.