As February 20 looms closer, expectant Indian parents in the U.S. are rushing to secure American citizenship for their unborn children before President Donald Trump’s executive order comes into effect.
The directive, which eliminates birthright citizenship for babies born to non-permanent residents, has sparked a surge in preterm delivery requests, particularly among Indian women on temporary visas.
The Executive Order That Changed Everything
President Trump’s announcement on January 20 has upended a longstanding policy derived from the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which has guaranteed citizenship to all individuals “born or naturalized in the United States” since 1868.
This amendment, originally intended to grant citizenship to freed slaves, has since been a cornerstone of American identity. The latest executive order, however, challenges this principle, leaving thousands of immigrant families scrambling to adapt.
For many Indian parents on H-1B visas, the change represents more than a policy shift—it’s a direct threat to their children’s future prospects. Families who have been navigating years-long green card backlogs now face an added layer of uncertainty, forcing difficult decisions about their pregnancies.
A Surge in Preterm C-Section Requests
Obstetricians in states like New Jersey and Texas have reported an unprecedented rise in requests for early deliveries. Dr. S.D. Rama, a maternity specialist in New Jersey, revealed the heightened urgency among Indian women in their eighth or ninth month of pregnancy. “
A woman who isn’t due until March came in with her husband to schedule a preterm delivery,” Dr. Rama shared. “The anxiety surrounding this policy change is palpable.”
While parents are eager to secure citizenship for their children, medical experts are sounding alarms about the risks associated with preterm births. Dr. S.G. Mukkala, an obstetrician in Texas, noted the health challenges that come with early deliveries, including underdeveloped lungs, low birth weight, and neurological complications.
“I’ve had 15 to 20 discussions with couples in just two days. The risks are significant, but families feel they have no choice,” Dr. Mukkala explained.
A History of Immigration Challenges
The current crisis reflects a broader struggle faced by immigrants in the U.S. Over the decades, policies surrounding immigration and citizenship have swung between inclusivity and restriction.
Notably, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 barred Chinese laborers from becoming U.S. citizens, while the Immigration Act of 1924 established strict quotas based on nationality.
The 14th Amendment, once seen as a beacon of hope, is now at the center of a contentious debate about what it means to be American.
For Indian families, the stakes are especially high. Varun and Priya (names changed), who have been living in the U.S. on H-1B visas for eight years, spoke about their fears.
“We’ve waited six years for our green cards. This was our only way to secure stability for our child. Now, we’re terrified of what the future holds,” Priya said. Her baby is due in early March, but the couple is considering preterm delivery options.
The Human Cost of Uncertainty
Beyond the legal ramifications, the policy has deeply personal consequences for families. Vijay (name changed), an undocumented immigrant in California, revealed how the sudden deadline has upended his family’s plans.
“Our lawyer suggested we secure citizenship through our child, but now that’s gone. We feel lost,” he admitted. His wife, currently pregnant, is among those contemplating early delivery despite the risks.
The desperation is not limited to documented immigrants. Families across the spectrum—whether on visas, asylum seekers, or undocumented—are grappling with what feels like a narrowing path to the American dream.
For many, this is yet another chapter in the long history of immigrant struggles in the U.S.
