Under President Donald Trump’s executive order, which was signed shortly after he took office, birthright citizenship for children born to non-citizen parents will end. As a result, children born in the US after February 19 to non-citizen parents, including those on H-1B or L1 visas, will not automatically receive US citizenship. In response, Indian couples in the US are rushing to give birth before February 20, the deadline for the policy change.
Indian Parents in the US Opt for C-Sections to Secure Citizenship for Their Children
Many Indian parents working in the US on temporary visas or waiting for Green Cards are opting for C-sections before the deadline to ensure their children are born American citizens. Dr. S.D. Rama, a gynecologist in New Jersey, has noticed an unusual increase in requests for preterm deliveries. In some cases, women who are not due for several months are asking for early births to secure citizenship for their children. One such case involved a woman who, at seven months pregnant, requested a preterm delivery set for March.
For many Indian families, having a child born in the US is not just about citizenship, but also about securing a future for their family. Once these children turn 21, they can sponsor their parents for US residency, offering a path to a Green Card. However, doctors like Dr. S.G. Mukkala from Texas are warning about the risks of preterm births, which can lead to complications such as underdeveloped lungs, feeding issues, and low birth weight.
Indian Parents Scramble to Secure US Citizenship for Their Children Amid Policy Change
Despite the risks, many parents understand the urgency. On forums like Reddit, some expressed frustration with the backlog for Green Cards, which can take decades to clear. “We were counting on our child being born here,” said Priya, a woman expecting to give birth in March. The looming policy change has caused anxiety, particularly for families who have waited years for permanent residency.
For undocumented immigrants, the change is even more severe, as the ability to gain citizenship through a child born in the US will no longer be an option. One California resident, facing this uncertainty, said, “Now, we are all at sea.” As the February 20 deadline approaches, many Indian couples are willing to take drastic measures to ensure their children’s futures in the US.
