Donald Trump wants to end the significant influence birthright citizenship has on thousands of Indians living in the United States

Washington: US President-elect Donald Trump believes that birthright citizenship is “ridiculous” and wants to end it after he takes office on January 20. The right of every child born in America to acquire U.S. citizenship has been enshrined in the Constitution for more than 150 years. Under this rule, America grants citizenship to every child born within its borders. Even if their parents are citizens of another country. However, Trump will soon change it. “We will have to change it,” Trump said in an interview. We may have to go back to the people. But we have to end this. Although he raised this issue during his first term as well, no tangible results were achieved. According to a Business Standard report, Russell A., partner at Circle of Counsels. “Trump and his supporters argue that this system is being abused,” Stamets said. “There should be strict standards to become an American citizen.”

What is your opposition to Trump?

The right to birthright citizenship is based on the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution. In such a situation, Trump would face many legal challenges to terminate it. According to the Fourteenth Amendment, “Every person born within the United States, or subject to the jurisdiction thereof, is a citizen of the United States.” Trump and opponents of the policy say this encourages “birth tourism.” He says that pregnant women come to America specifically to give birth to children, so that their children can obtain American citizenship and then return to their country.

What will be the impact on Indians?

“No one should have the right to citizenship simply by crossing a border and having a child,” said Eric Rourke, research director at Numbers USA, which advocates for limiting immigration. A fact sheet issued by the US Immigration Council in 2011 said that removing birthright citizenship would affect everyone and make it more difficult for American parents to prove their children’s citizenship.

According to an analysis of the 2022 US Census by Pew Research Center, there are about 48,000 Indian Americans living in the United States. Of these, 34%, or 16,000, were born in America. These individuals are US citizens under current law. If Trump ends this law, 16,000 Indian Americans will be directly affected.