Crossing from Coahuila to the United States with a valid visa does not guarantee that U.S. authorities will allow entry. Those using the international bridges between Piedras Negras and Eagle Pass, or Ciudad Acuña and Del Río, may be subjected to an additional inspection in which officers examine the purpose of the trip, immigration history, and how the document has previously been used.
The issue gained relevance during August 2026, after cases of cancellation and retention of tourist visas were reported at the Piedras Negras border with Eagle Pass.
Radio Zócalo reported on August 13 that immigration attorney Jorge Salinas had received at least 13 consultations during the preceding weeks from people questioned at the international bridges about the birth of their children in the United States. According to the specialist, some documents were retained when authorities determined that the B1/B2 visa had been used for a purpose other than the one authorized.
The U.S. Department of State also establishes that having a visa only allows a person to appear at a port of entry and request admission to the country. The final decision rests with Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Can your visa be canceled for having had a child in the United States?
Yes, there may be a risk when authorities conclude that a person deliberately used their tourist visa to travel to the United States with the primary purpose of giving birth and obtaining U.S. citizenship for the baby.
The Department of State currently specifies that so-called “birth tourism” is not permitted with a B1/B2 visitor visa. The regulation distinguishes this situation from legitimate travel to receive medical treatment.
Travelers have been questioned when crossing into Eagle Pass about the birth of their children in U.S. territory. Attorney Jorge Salinas explained that this does not mean that all parents of children born in the United States automatically lose their visa, but rather that officers may investigate what the original purpose of the trip was.
A published report stated, based on comments from immigration attorney Roberto Ortigoza, that there is no rule that automatically cancels a visa for having a U.S.-citizen child. The problem arises when CBP determines that there was misuse of the document.
Therefore, situations that may raise red flags include:
- Having entered specifically to give birth while using a tourist visa.
- Having concealed or misrepresented the true purpose of the trip.
- Providing contradictory information during an immigration inspection.
- Being unable to substantiate the circumstances of the trip when officers request additional information.
Can they take away your visa for working in the United States with a tourist visa?
This is another of the main reasons that can cause problems when attempting to enter the United States again from Coahuila.
The B1/B2 visa permits activities such as tourism, vacations, family visits, certain business activities, conventions, or medical treatment, but it does not authorize employment in the United States.
The Department of State expressly states that employment is an activity that cannot be performed with a visitor visa and adds that a person with a B1/B2 visa cannot accept employment in U.S. territory.
This means that an inspection at Piedras Negras-Eagle Pass or Ciudad Acuña-Del Río can become more complicated if an officer finds evidence that the traveler previously:
- Worked regularly in the United States.
- Received payment for work activities performed during a visit.
- Is entering the country to begin employment.
- Consistently uses a tourist visa to carry out activities that require a work visa.
People must respect the particular conditions of their admission and avoid using a tourist visa to work in the United States.
Can your visa be canceled for staying too long in the United States?
Another important cause is exceeding the authorized period of stay.
One of the most common mistakes is thinking that a B1/B2 visa with 10-year validity allows a person to remain in the United States for that entire period, or that every visitor is automatically granted six months.
In reality, the validity of the visa and the amount of time authorized to remain in the United States are different concepts. CBP determines the conditions of admission, and the I-94 record establishes the date through which the traveler may legally remain in the country.
The Department of State warns that failing to leave the country within the authorized period places the foreign national out of status and may result in their visa being automatically canceled under U.S. immigration law. It may also affect future visa applications.
Source: posta
