The U.S. government has published new visa rules aimed at restricting what officials are calling “birth tourism.” Birth tourism is when women travel to the United States to give birth so their children can have a U.S. passport. The Associated Press reported Thursday that the State Department does not believe that such a visit is a legitimate activity for pleasure or of a recreational nature. Under the new rules, U.S. officials can deny a tourist visa if they believe a woman is coming to the country mainly to give birth. Visitors will have to prove they have a medical need. And they must prove that they have the money to pay for medical treatment, including living and transportation costs. The measures take effect Friday. The practice of traveling to the United States to give birth is actually legal.