On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that could end birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to parents without legal immigration status. This decision could have a big impact, especially on the Indian-American community.
Birthright citizenship means that anyone born in the U.S. automatically gets citizenship, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. This principle is part of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and has played a key role in the country’s immigration policy.
The new executive order raises questions about the interpretation of the 14th Amendment. Many legal experts believe the order is unconstitutional and that the president does not have the power to change citizenship rules on his own. In fact, a federal judge has temporarily blocked the order, calling it openly unconstitutional.
The political fallout has intensified debates over immigration. In response, states like Illinois are speaking out against federal policies that target non-violent undocumented immigrants. Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois has voiced strong support for protecting individuals who follow the law, highlighting the ongoing conflict between state and federal authorities.
For the Indian-American community, many of whom hold H-1B visas and are waiting for green cards, this change causes significant anxiety. Traditionally, children born to parents on temporary visas would become U.S. citizens. If this executive order remains in effect, it could alter this reality, affecting many families.
In contrast, India does not offer unconditional birthright citizenship. In India, a child born there is considered a citizen only if at least one parent is an Indian citizen, and the other parent is not an illegal migrant. This policy aims to address concerns about illegal immigration.
The discussions around these changes are important not just for those directly affected, but also for understanding how immigration policies resonate on both sides of the globe.
Check out this related article: India’s Coal Giant Faces Profit Decline: What Softening Demand Means for the Future
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