Indian couples in US opt for premature deliveries as Trump vows to end birthright citizenship

Indian couples residing in the United States are increasingly opting for premature deliveries out of concern for their children’s future, as President Donald Trump has vowed to end birthright citizenship for babies born on US soil.

Several reports in the Indian media suggest that women in the eighth month of pregnancy are rushing to undergo early C-section deliveries before the February 20 deadline for birthright citizenship expires.

Medical experts have raised alarms over the risks associated with preterm deliveries, noting that babies born prematurely through C-section can face severe health complications that may persist throughout their lives.

Infants born before 37 weeks of pregnancy often suffer from underdeveloped organs, which can result in difficulty breathing and other serious health issues.

Premature births remain one of the leading causes of death among children under the age of five, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

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The challenges of maintaining an adequate environment for their fragile bodies, coupled with inadequate care for infections or illnesses, contribute to the high mortality rate.

What is birthright citizenship? 

As part of his firm stance on immigration, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday, ending birthright citizenship for newborns whose parents are residing in the United States illegally or on temporary visas.

Under the US Constitution, birthright citizenship has historically been granted to all children born in the country, regardless of their parents' immigration status.

The 14th Amendment guarantees this right, stating that all individuals born or naturalised in the United States are citizens.

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Can Trump ban automatic citizenship?

The 78-year-old president has long been a vocal critic of immigration, and this latest move marks a notable step in his administration’s efforts to tighten immigration policies.

Upon taking office as the 47th president, Trump swiftly enacted a series of executive orders that placed severe restrictions on migrants, including increased military presence at the southern border and cuts to programs designed to facilitate migrant entry and residency.

The push to abolish birthright citizenship has been a key issue for conservatives, who argue that children of illegal immigrants should not automatically be granted US citizenship.

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However, experts suggest that Trump’s executive order would have little immediate impact unless a constitutional amendment is passed by Congress and approved by three-fourths of state legislatures.

Currently, the US Senate consists of 47 Democrats and 53 Republicans, while the House of Representatives has 215 Democratic seats compared to 220 Republican seats.

Precedents in US history show that the Supreme Court has upheld birthright citizenship in multiple cases. In the wake of Trump’s executive order, several organisations have already moved to challenge the decision in court.