Explained: US abolishes birthright citizenship, impact on Indian immigrants

Washington: US President Donald Trump has abolished the birthright citizenship law, meaning not every child born in the United States will automatically acquire citizenship.

Previously, under the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, any child born on US soil was granted citizenship, regardless of the parent’s nationality.

This provision, established in 1868, aimed to ensure equal rights for all individuals in America.

The new policy requires that at least one parent must be a US citizen, a green card holder, or a member of the US military for the child to gain citizenship at birth.

Trump described the move as a “huge step” in combating “birth tourism” and curbing illegal immigration.

This change could particularly affect Indian immigrants who travel to the US for the sole purpose of giving birth, securing citizenship for their child.