Donald Trump has pledged to eliminate birthright citizenship if he returns to office, a decision that could impact the 4.8 million Indian-Americans living in the US. This move aims to fulfill his campaign promise of tightening immigration policies, particularly targeting the issue of “birth tourism,” where non-citizens give birth in the US to secure citizenship for their children.
Currently, birthright citizenship, based on the 14th Amendment, grants automatic citizenship to anyone born on American soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. Enacted over 150 years ago, this policy was designed to ensure citizenship rights for formerly enslaved individuals and their descendants. Trump’s plan faces legal hurdles, as the amendment has been upheld by landmark cases, such as United States v. Wong Kim Ark in 1898, which affirmed citizenship for children born in the US to immigrant parents.
During his first term, Trump raised the issue but was unable to implement changes. This time, he promises swift action, though the constitutional nature of the policy makes legal challenges inevitable. Supporters, like Eric Ruark from NumbersUSA, argue that ending birthright citizenship would deter illegal immigration. However, opponents warn it could create a disenfranchised group without full rights or legal status.
The Indian-American community could face significant challenges if this policy is repealed. Pew Research indicates that 1.6 million of the 4.8 million Indian-Americans were born in the US. These individuals could lose their citizenship status, leading to widespread uncertainty. Trump has acknowledged that eliminating birthright citizenship may result in entire families, including children with US citizenship, facing deportation.
Experts, including the American Immigration Council, have noted that ending birthright citizenship would impose heavy administrative burdens on the government and complicate the process of proving citizenship. Although the future of this policy remains uncertain, potential changes could profoundly affect millions of families, particularly within the Indian-American community.
