Indian Couples Push for Early C-Sections to Beat Birthright Citizenship Ban

With US President Donald Trump targeting the birthright citizenship of immigrants, Indian couples are hurrying to beat the ban deadline, even if it meant going for preterm babies. They are seeking appointment with doctors and queueing up before maternity clinics for C-sections before February 20, the deadline for termination of birthright citizenship.

This means babies born in the US till February 19 will be considered born American citizens. After this date, infants born to non-citizen couples will not be natural American citizens.

An Indian-origin gynaecologist said he received calls from 20 Indian couples.

There are thousands of Indians working on H-1B and L1 visas in the US. They are seeking Green Cards, that ensures permanent residency in the US.

Infants born to parents, who are not American citizens or have a Green Card, won’t be a US citizen by birth.

According to a leading English daily, the maternity clinic of Dr S D Rama in New Jersey is receiving an unusual number of requests for C-sections by Indian women in their 8th and 9th months of pregnancy.

In addition to the citizenship of the children, Indians are also betting their citizenship on their US-born children. Once the children reach 21 years of age, these American-Indians can be a ticket to US residency for their parents.

Doctors are trying to explain the risks of preterm births to the couples but the rush for C-sections continues, as many couples are not able to see their dreams shattering, with Trump’s ban orders.

The wait for Green Cards and citizenship is very long. One has to wait for nearly 20 years after stepping into the US to be proclaimed as US citizen.

The birthright citizenship seemed an easy way out for several couples. Now, Trump’s ban orders on birthright are hitting hard on their plans.