Indian-American presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy has proposed ending birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants in the US. He expressed this policy during a Republican primary event in California. Ramaswamy argues that children born to undocumented immigrants in the US should not be granted citizenship because their parents broke the law to be in the country. He has also advocated for changes to the H-1B visa program and received attention for his radical policy proposals, although he faced criticism from fellow Republicans during a recent debate. Former UN ambassador Nikki Haley questioned his experience and called his ideas “dangerous.”
Ramaswamy’s stance on birthright citizenship aligns with a 2015 proposal by Donald Trump. He supports measures such as militarizing the southern border, defunding sanctuary cities, and ending foreign aid to Mexico and Central America. Ramaswamy’s call for a “meritocratic” immigration scheme for the H-1B visa program differs from the current lottery system.
Despite criticism, Ramaswamy’s policy proposals have helped him stand out in a crowded Republican primary field. He emphasizes the need for substantive policy discussions rather than personal insults within the Republican Party.
