Meera Shankar on Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Policy: Unpacking the Racism Behind the Move

Donald Trump’s return as President of the United States has stirred concerns among many immigrants, especially those from India. After being sworn in on January 2, 2025, Trump wasted no time in signing an Executive Order to repeal the rule of birthright citizenship. This rule has guaranteed that anyone born within the U.S. automatically becomes a citizen.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, former Indian ambassador to the U.S., Meera Shankar, pointed out the racial undertones of Trump’s actions. She believes his policies reflect a fear of demographic changes in America. Shankar noted that Trump has come back with a strong political agenda and a larger mandate, controlling both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Shankar highlighted that Trump’s focus on illegal immigration will impact countries like India. Many Indians are understandably worried about the implications of this Executive Order. Trump campaigned fiercely on this issue, and many Americans seem to support stricter measures against illegal immigrants.

Shankar mentioned that the Indian government is prepared to repatriate around 18,000 Indian nationals living illegally in the U.S. However, identifying these individuals could be complex. Many lack proper documentation, making it harder to verify their identities. Currently, about 11 million undocumented immigrants live in the U.S., with an estimated 725,000 being Indian. The potential for large-scale deportations poses a significant challenge for both nations.

Shankar expressed that deporting many people could present negative optics for the Indian government, even though it might resonate with Trump’s supporters. She emphasized the unpredictability of Trump’s policies, mentioning his tendency to change direction quickly. His administration has mixed views on programs like the H-1B visa. Some believe that this program takes jobs away from Americans, while others argue it is essential to fill a skills gap in the U.S.

Shankar also noted the ideological connection between the Indian government and Trump’s administration. Both Prime Minister Modi and Trump are effective communicators and can resonate with their respective audiences.

In summary, the situation is complicated, with both opportunities and challenges for Indian immigrants in this new political landscape.

Check out this related article: US Mission Launches Comprehensive Review of Aid Following Trump’s Directive

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Donald Trump,birthright citizenship,illegal immigration,H-1B visa,Indian nationals