By Abdul Jabbar | Running Post
Panic is mounting among Indian mothers-to-be in the United States as the date for ending the automatic birthright citizenship on February 20 nears. With the clock ticking, many have begun rushing for early deliveries; some have gone to the extreme of asking to be delivered through preterm cesarean section to ensure the child would acquire citizenship, The Times of India reported.
One maternity specialist based in New Jersey has revealed a shocking increase in the number of such requests. “A seven-month pregnant woman and her husband came to schedule an early delivery despite her due date being in March,” Dr. Rama shared.
The policy has hurled the country into panic because it deny citizenship to babies born after February 20, unless their parents are permanent residents. Traditionally, birthright citizenship guaranteed that children born in the U.S. automatically became citizens, no matter their parents’ immigration status or nationality.
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The implications of this shift are enormous, especially for the Indian diaspora, many of whom live in the U.S. on temporary visas like H-1B. With green card backlogs spanning decades, birthright citizenship has long been a fallback for families hoping to secure a stable future in the country.
Obstetrician in Texas, Dr. SG Mukkala has warned couples at large against premature births. “Preterm deliveries come with significant risks, including underdeveloped lungs, low birth weight, feeding challenges, and neurological issues,” he said. In the last two days, Dr. Mukkala has counselled nearly 20 couples on the dangers of early deliveries.
The emotional cost is visible in the people affected. A 28-year-old finance professional, whose wife is expecting after the deadline, feels frustrated and desperate. “We risked everything to start our lives here. Now, it feels like the opportunity is slipping through your fingers,” said the H-1B visa holder.
The looming policy change has added several layers of stress to what, in most circumstances, should be a joyous period in most people’s lives. The near deadline is thus ratcheting up the debate over birthright citizenship, again raising questions on the future immigration policy of the United States.