Donald Trump’s proposed immigration crackdown includes ending birthright citizenship, putting around 18,000 Indians at risk of deportation. These individuals are primarily undocumented immigrants or families reliant on children born in the U.S. for stability. The move, if implemented, would disproportionately affect Indian communities navigating complex visa backlogs and residency challenges. While Trump’s policies aim to tighten immigration, they face legal and constitutional hurdles, especially under the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to those born on U.S. soil.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly spoken about his intention to challenge birthright citizenship—a policy under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that grants citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
If such a policy were successfully reversed, it would have significant consequences for thousands of Indian families, particularly children of undocumented or temporary visa-holding parents. Such a change could:
- Put thousands at risk of deportation: Children who would no longer be granted automatic citizenship could lose protections. This could also impact their parents’ ability to remain in the U.S.
- Increase legal uncertainty: Families, especially those on temporary work visas such as H-1B holders, would face more challenges securing their residency.
- Impact long-term Indian immigration: India consistently represents one of the largest groups of immigrants to the U.S., including professionals, students, and workers.
The number of Indians in the U.S.—including those awaiting green cards—runs into the millions, with approximately 4.8 million Indian-origin individuals residing in the U.S. as of recent estimates. Trump’s proposal would disproportionately affect this community, particularly as many families rely on U.S.-born children as anchors for legal residency pathways.