Indian Mothers Uncertain About US Citizenship For Newborns Due To Trump's Order

Immigration lawyers revealed that Indian mothers are eagerly waiting for temporary US visas for their soon-to-be-born babies, but the wait has become longer.

“The scenario for Indian nationals on temporary visas expecting children in the US is quite uncertain. Depending on the jurisdiction, children born in the US may or may not automatically acquire citizenship,” said Sukanya Raman, country head, Davies and Associates. “This is complicating decisions around childbirth and long-term residency planning.”

The US Supreme Court has not taken any action to challenge the presidential executive order on birthright citizenship.

Trumps executive order has created uncertainty among expecting Indian parents as they keep on visiting immigration attorney offices to seek counsel. Trump's order does not apply to all states, and some mothers are considering relocating to those states.

Under the 14th Amendment, many have made sure that their children automatically acquire US citizenship. To gain legal entry for their offspring, Many foreign nationals in the past have been reported to use the US birthright citizenship path. This has created the practice where foreign nationals travel to the United States on visitor visas with the primary intention of giving birth. It is called "birth tourism".

According to experts, if the order comes into effect then 1.5 lakh newborns could be denied US citizenship.