---
kind: "section"
citation: "8 U.S.C. § 1374"
title: "8"
title_heading: "Aliens and Nationality"
number: "1374"
heading: "Information regarding female genital mutilation"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/8/1374"
units:
  - "Chapter 12 — Immigration and Nationality"
  - "Subchapter II — Immigration"
  - "Part IX — Miscellaneous"
---

# §1374. Information regarding female genital mutilation

- (a) **Provision of information regarding female genital mutilation—** The Immigration and [Naturalization](/usc/8/1101.md?p=a-23) [Service](/usc/8/1101.md?p=a-34) (in cooperation with the Department of State) shall make available for all [aliens](/usc/8/1101.md?p=a-3) who are issued [immigrant](/usc/8/1101.md?p=a-15) or [nonimmigrant visas](/usc/8/1101.md?p=a-26), prior to or at the time of entry into the [United States](/usc/8/1101.md?p=a-38), the following information:
  - (1) Information on the severe harm to physical and psychological health caused by female genital mutilation which is compiled and presented in a manner which is limited to the practice itself and respectful to the cultural values of the societies in which such practice takes place.
  - (2) Information concerning potential legal consequences in the [United States](/usc/8/1101.md?p=a-38) for (A) performing female genital mutilation, or (B) allowing a [child](/usc/8/1101.md?p=b-1) under his or her care to be subjected to female genital mutilation, under criminal or [child](/usc/8/1101.md?p=b-1) protection statutes or as a form of [child](/usc/8/1101.md?p=b-1) abuse.
- (b) **Limitation—** In consultation with the Secretary of State, the [Commissioner](/usc/8/1101.md?p=a-8) of Immigration and [Naturalization](/usc/8/1101.md?p=a-23) shall identify those countries in which female genital mutilation is commonly practiced and, to the extent practicable, limit the provision of information under [subsection (a)](#a) to [aliens](/usc/8/1101.md?p=a-3) from such countries.
- (c) **“Female genital mutilation” defined—** For purposes of this section, the term “female genital mutilation” means the removal or infibulation (or both) of the whole or part of the clitoris, the labia minora, or labia majora.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title VI, § 644, Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–708.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, and also as part of the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 1997, and not as part of the Immigration and Nationality Act which comprises this chapter.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.