WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Indian American families residing in the U.S. on temporary visas like H-1B and H-4 have expressed apprehensions over the recent executive order of President Donald Trump that attempts to rescind birthright citizenship. The January 20th order seeks to terminate automatic citizenship to children born on U.S. soil by non-citizen, temporary residents.
For many Indian immigrants, birthright citizenship has been a safeguard for their children, providing stability amid long green card backlogs. Trump’s order challenges the 14th Amendment’s interpretation, which has historically guaranteed birthright citizenship for all children born in the U.S.
The executive order also targets “birth tourism,” where foreign nationals, including Indian families, travel to the U.S. to give birth, securing citizenship for their children. Critics argue that Trump’s interpretation of the 14th Amendment excludes temporary visa holders, while supporters contend that it addresses concerns over the abuse of the system.
Indian Americans, numbering over 5 million in the U.S., are concerned that the decision will have a larger impact on families who are still waiting for legal status. The ruling is scheduled to go into effect in 30 days, but immigration advocates have already filed lawsuits against it.
Trump’s administration has contended that the 14th Amendment does not extend citizenship to those who are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States, which is a controversial position under constitutional law.
