Can the United States Truly Abolish Birthright Citizenship? A Temporary Block on Donald Trump’s Effort Labels It ‘Unconstitutional’
For decades, birth on U.S. soil guaranteed citizenship as a fundamental right. However, on Monday, January 20, just hours after his inauguration, President Donald Trump signed an executive order restricting birthright citizenship in the United States, set to take effect on February 19.
In a significant backlash, several Democratic states and immigrant advocacy groups moved to block the executive order, achieving a temporary victory. On January 23, a federal judge in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order, deeming the order “blatantly unconstitutional.” Judge Coughenour expressed his disbelief, stating, “I am having trouble understanding how a member of the bar could state unequivocally that this order is constitutional. It just boggles my mind.”
For context, birthright citizenship is guaranteed under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”
Trump is expected to “obviously appeal” the decision. Meanwhile, as the fate of birthright citizenship in America teeters precariously, panic has gripped immigrant communities, particularly the Indian diaspora. This anxiety is manifesting in a startling trend: a sharp rise in C-sections, many for preterm deliveries, as parents scramble to ensure their babies are born before the executive order’s February 19 implementation date.
The dilemma facing expectant immigrant parents in the U.S. highlights their desperation. The choice between securing citizenship for their newborns and potentially jeopardizing the long-term health and immunity of both mother and child is a stark one. For some, the perceived reward outweighs the risks.
Dr. S. Rama, who runs a maternity clinic in New Jersey, shared his experience with The Times of India, revealing that he has already counseled 15 to 20 couples facing this predicament. “A woman who is seven months pregnant came with her husband to request a preterm delivery. Her due date isn’t until March,” he explained, underscoring the lengths to which some families are willing to go.
What are your thoughts on the moral and practical implications of potentially abolishing birthright citizenship in the United States?
