Indian Couples Rush for C-Sections in US Before Trump’s Citizenship Deadline
In an unprecedented rush, Indian couples in the United States are scheduling C-sections before February 20 to ensure their children are born American citizens, following President Donald Trump’s executive order to terminate birthright citizenship. This policy change, set to take effect after February 19, means that children born to non-citizen parents after this date will not automatically receive U.S. citizenship.
The urgency has led to a significant increase in requests for preterm deliveries, with doctors like Dr. S D Rama in New Jersey receiving numerous calls from expectant parents. One notable case involved a woman seven months pregnant seeking a C-section, despite her due date being in March. The pressure to secure citizenship stems from the long wait times for green cards, with some families waiting over a decade for permanent residency.
Dr. S G Mukkala from Texas has voiced concerns about the health risks associated with preterm births, such as underdeveloped lungs, feeding issues, and neurological complications. Despite these risks, the drive to provide future opportunities for their children by granting them U.S. citizenship is compelling Indian couples to take this drastic step.
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The narrative of the “American Dream” is at stake for these families, many of whom have built lives in the U.S. on temporary visas like H-1B and L1. For undocumented immigrants, the situation is even more dire, with potential pathways to legality now seemingly blocked. Social media platforms reveal mixed sentiments, with some advocating for returning to India or finding opportunities elsewhere, while others understand the parents’ desperation.
As February 20 approaches, the tension among Indian families in the U.S. is palpable, illustrating the profound impact of immigration policy changes on personal life decisions and aspirations.
