US Citizenship Rules Under Fire: Children Born to Non-Citizens May Lose Birthright, Indians Affected

U.S (The Uttam Hindu): More than 15 states in the U.S., including New Jersey announced on Tuesday their intent to challenge President Donald Trump's executive order ending the constitutional guarantee of citizenship by birth. Trump, who was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday had pledged to enact this policy during his election campaign.

New Jersey’s Democratic Attorney General, Matt Platkin is leading a coalition of 18 states, the District of Columbia and the city of San Francisco in filing a lawsuit to block the order. "The president has broad power but he is not a monarch," Platkin stated.

The executive order aims to end the longstanding policy of granting automatic citizenship to individuals born on U.S. soil. Opponents, including Platkin and immigrant rights advocates, argue that the move violates the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to individuals born in the U.S. and residing under its jurisdiction.

Impact on Indian Families

President Trump’s order specifies that children born in the U.S. will not automatically receive citizenship if one or both parents are not U.S. citizens or green card holders. This change could significantly affect thousands of Indians residing in the U.S. on temporary work visas (H-1B, L1), dependent visas (H4), study visas (F1), academic visitor visas (J1) or short-term business and tourist visas (B1, B2).

The policy is set to apply to children born in the U.S. starting February 20. However, if the court issues a stay on the order within a month, the policy will not take effect.