A growing number of Indian couples in the U.S. are seeking preterm C-sections to ensure their children are born before the birthright citizenship deadline of February 20. This trend has emerged following President Donald Trump's announcement that he intends to end birthright citizenship, as granted under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

In response, many pregnant Indian women, particularly those on temporary work visas like H1B or L1, are opting for early caesarean deliveries to ensure their babies receive U.S. citizenship. Doctors report that some women, even in their second or third trimester, are requesting these procedures to avoid the new citizenship restrictions, according to a report by The Times of India. However, medical professionals are warning against the risks of preterm births, which can result in serious health complications for both mother and child.

Preterm birth is defined as any delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, and such early arrivals are often prone to issues like underdeveloped lungs, respiratory distress, and feeding difficulties. A 2023 study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics noted that premature infants may require mechanical ventilation to assist their breathing due to underdeveloped lungs. Other complications include necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a condition that damages the intestines, and potential neurological disorders, such as cerebral palsy and developmental delays. Additionally, premature infants are at a higher risk of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), a type of brain bleeding that can lead to long-term neurological issues.

The Birthright Citizenship provision, part of the 14th Amendment, grants U.S. citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parent's immigration status. However, Trump's executive order, set to take effect on February 20, 2025, would change this. Under the new policy, only children born in the U.S. to at least one U.S. citizen or Green Card holder would be granted citizenship. Children born to non-citizen parents after this date could face deportation when they turn 21 unless they are granted other legal status.

Since Trump's order was announced, Indian families on temporary visas have been especially concerned. Many had planned to stay in the U.S. for long periods and expected their children to automatically become U.S. citizens. However, with the new rules in place, this possibility is now limited. While Green Card holders are not affected, the long wait for Green Cards—affecting around one million Indian applicants—leaves many families uncertain about their future.

Medical professionals in the U.S. are reporting a surge in requests for early C-sections from Indian couples trying to ensure their children's citizenship status. Dr. SD Roma, based in New Jersey, described cases of women as early as seven months pregnant seeking to schedule preterm deliveries. Similarly, Dr. SG Mukkala in Texas expressed concern about the health risks of such procedures, including low birth weight and developmental issues.

For families on temporary work visas, the new rules are especially disruptive. Children born after February 20, 2025, would not be automatically granted citizenship, which could force families to either apply for visas to stay or return to their home country, possibly creating challenges for family unity.

The 14th Amendment's citizenship clause, which has been in place since 1868, has guaranteed that anyone born in the U.S. is a citizen. However, Trump’s executive order is now the subject of multiple legal challenges, and experts predict that the issue could reach the U.S. Supreme Court. If the court upholds the 14th Amendment, a constitutional amendment would be required to change the law—a process that could take years and requires broad legislative support.

This ongoing legal battle suggests that the future of birthright citizenship remains uncertain, with significant implications for U.S. immigration policy and for millions of families living in the country.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)