Rush for preterm births among Indian parents in the US amid Trump’s birthright citizenship deadline

Birthright citizenship panic: Indian expectant mothers in US rush to beat Trump’s deadline

Indian parents in the United States are opting for preterm C-sections to ensure their babies are born before February 20, the deadline set by President Donald Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship. The policy change, part of Trump’s stricter anti-immigration measures, has created a rush among expectant parents, particularly those on temporary visas.

The impact of the deadline

The executive order specifies that babies born to non-permanent residents after February 19 will no longer automatically receive US citizenship. This change has prompted a surge of requests for early deliveries, especially from Indian families relying on birthright citizenship as a safety net due to long green card wait times.

• C-Section Demand: Dr. S D Rama, a maternity specialist in New Jersey, reported a significant rise in requests for preterm deliveries from women in their eighth or ninth month. Some women as early as seven months pregnant have also sought early deliveries.
• Concerns Over Risks: Obstetricians like Dr. S G Mukkala in Texas have warned couples about complications from preterm births, including underdeveloped lungs, feeding issues, and neurological challenges.

Birthright citizenship and its role in Indian families

Birthright citizenship, which grants automatic citizenship to babies born in the US, has been a key factor for many Indian families seeking stability. Children born as US citizens can sponsor their parents for residency when they turn 21, offering a long-term pathway to permanent residency.

The backlog for green cards for Indian nationals has exceeded a century, leaving many families in limbo. For expectant parents, birthright citizenship provided a critical fallback, but the executive order has shattered these plans for thousands.

Emotional and practical struggles

• Personal Stories: Families like that of a 28-year-old finance professional expressed distress over the looming deadline, with many feeling their “American dream” is slipping away. Another family, living in the US illegally for eight years, shared their heartbreak as they struggled to find alternatives.
• Reactions on Social Media: Discussions on platforms like Reddit highlight the mixed emotions, with some urging families to return to India or seek opportunities in other countries.

Broader implications of the policy

The policy change affects not only Indian nationals but also illegal immigrants and other non-residents. Many see this as part of Trump’s broader crackdown on immigration, including bans on asylum seekers and restrictions on citizenship by birth. Critics argue that the policy disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities, while proponents claim it strengthens national security and prevents misuse of immigration laws.

The American dream under test

For many families, the executive order represents a profound challenge to the aspirations that brought them to the US With February 20 looming, expectant parents face tough choices, balancing health risks with their hopes for stability and opportunity. The rush for preterm births underscores the desperate lengths families are willing to go to secure a future for their children under Trump’s new immigration policies.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.

The post Rush for preterm births among Indian parents in the US amid Trump’s birthright citizenship deadline appeared first on PGurus.