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US President Donald Trump signed an executive order ending birthright citizenship, a policy enshrined in the 14th Amendment for over 127 years. This new mandate restricts citizenship to children born in the US only if at least one parent is a citizen or a Green Card holder.
The policy, effective February 20, 2025, has left Indian families on temporary H1B and L1 visas scrambling to ensure their children are born before the deadline.
Doctors across the US have reported a noticeable increase in Indian women seeking preterm caesarean deliveries. Many are in their seventh or eighth month of pregnancy, aiming to secure US citizenship for their babies.
While speaking to Times of India, Dr. SD Rama, a gynecologist in New Jersey, shared her experience:
A seven-month pregnant woman came with her husband, requesting a preterm delivery. She wasn’t due until March but wanted to ensure her child qualifies for citizenship.
Similarly, Dr. SG Mukkala, an obstetrician in Texas, revealed he had spoken to over 20 couples in just two days. He warned them of the risks involved in early deliveries, including underdeveloped lungs, low birth weight, and neurological issues.
The policy change has caused widespread panic among Indian families who had long relied on birthright citizenship to secure a stable future in the US. Many had anticipated staying in the country for decades, with their children automatically becoming citizens.
Now, children born after February 20 will either need to self-deport at 21 or apply for a visa to remain in the US. Families face the tough decision of returning to India or navigating uncertain immigration pathways.
The executive order has sparked legal challenges, with 22 states filing lawsuits to block the policy. A federal judge has temporarily halted the order, calling it “blatantly unconstitutional.” However, the uncertainty persists, leaving families in limbo.
Trump defended his decision, stating, “I don’t want to break up families. The only way to avoid that is to send them all back.”
This policy shift is expected to reshape the US immigration landscape, particularly for Indian professionals on work visas. While Green Card holders remain unaffected, the long waiting lists for permanent residency add to the uncertainty for many.