A recent executive order by US President Donald Trump seeking to end birthright citizenship for children born to non-citizen parents in the United States has caused anxiety and uncertainty among expecting Indian parents. This move has particularly affected Indian professionals on H-1B visas, who previously assumed their children born in the US would automatically become citizens.
What's Happening?
President Trump signed an executive order that changes the rules for who gets automatic citizenship in the US. Before this, if you were born in the US, you were usually considered a citizen, no matter your parents' immigration status. But now, the order says that children born to parents who are in the US on temporary visas may not automatically get citizenship.
Why is this a big deal for Indian families?
The Indian-American community is one of the fastest-growing immigrant groups in the US. Many Indians work in the US on H-1B visas, which are for skilled workers. These families often plan to have their children in the US, believing they will automatically become citizens.Akshay Pise, an Indian engineer in San Jose, California, whose wife, Neha Satpute, is expecting a baby, told the BBC, "This impacts us directly. If the order takes effect, we don't know what comes next - it's uncharted territory".
What are parents worried about?
- Uncertainty: Expecting parents are unsure about their child's nationality and future in the US.
- Visa Issues: Coordinating visa schedules can be challenging, especially with a new baby.
- Family Reunification: US-born children may not be able to petition for their parents to come to the US after they turn 21 if they do not get birthright citizenship.
Reactions and Concerns
The order has led to confusion and stress among expecting parents. Prianshiajoo, an Indian resident in the US expecting a baby in April, said she is unsure about what documents her child will need. Neha Satpute expressed her frustration, saying, "Pregnancy is stressful enough, but we thought after a decade here it would get easier - then this happens on top of everything". Some parents even considered inducing labor early or having C-sections to ensure their child's citizenship, but doctors advise against it.
Legal Challenges and Future
The executive order is facing legal challenges, and a federal judge has temporarily blocked it. This means the order is on hold while the courts decide whether it is legal. However, the uncertainty remains, leaving many Indian families in a state of anxiety.
Potential Impact
If the order takes effect, it could discourage Indian professionals and students from seeking opportunities in the US. Some experts believe it may also encourage Indians to invest in real estate in India instead of the US.Sandeep Reddy, co-founder at Propstack and Zapkey, said this could be good news for the Indian real estate market, especially in cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Gurgaon, and Chennai.
In Conclusion
Trump's move to end birthright citizenship has created a lot of uncertainty for expecting Indian parents in the US. While the order is currently on hold, the future remains unclear, leaving many families worried about their children's future.
With inputs from agencies
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