Donald Trump has announced plans to end birthright citizenship on his first day in office, a move that could have significant implications for the 4.8 million Indian-Americans residing in the United States. This policy, which has been part of US law for over 150 years, guarantees citizenship to anyone born on US soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
Trump, who has long criticized birthright citizenship, reaffirmed his intention to abolish the practice, which is currently protected under the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution. “We’re going to end that because it’s ridiculous,” he stated in a recent interview. He further argued that the policy encourages “birth tourism,” where pregnant women travel to the US specifically to give birth and secure citizenship for their child.
What Is Birthright Citizenship?
Birthright citizenship, grounded in the 14th Amendment, grants automatic citizenship to anyone born in the United States. This includes children born to undocumented immigrants or individuals on temporary visas, such as tourists or students. The amendment, ratified in 1868, was initially designed to ensure citizenship for former slaves and their descendants.
While the policy is not adopted by every country, Trump and his supporters argue that it is being misused, prompting calls for tougher immigration standards. However, critics contend that eliminating birthright citizenship would have far-reaching consequences, particularly for children born to non-citizen parents who may lose their rights to citizenship.
Legal and Political Challenges
Ending birthright citizenship would likely face significant legal hurdles, given its constitutional basis. The landmark 1898 Supreme Court ruling in the case of Wong Kim Ark affirmed the principle of birthright citizenship when it determined that a child born in the US to Chinese immigrants was entitled to citizenship.
Despite the challenges, Trump remains committed to pursuing the policy change, even though his previous attempts during his first term failed to gain traction.
Impact on Immigrants and Indian-Americans
The change in policy could have far-reaching effects, particularly for immigrant communities. According to Pew Research, there are approximately 4.8 million Indian-Americans in the US, with 1.6 million of them born in the country. These individuals would no longer have automatic proof of citizenship under the new proposal.
Experts also warn that the end of birthright citizenship could complicate the process of proving US citizenship for many Americans, especially those who currently rely on birth certificates as the primary proof. Additionally, the proposal could potentially lead to the deportation of families, including children born in the US, creating new challenges for immigrant communities.
While Trump’s plan is still in the early stages, it continues to spark debate on the future of immigration policy in the United States.
