Indian Families Rush for Preterm Deliveries Amid New Policy in Us

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Preterm Deliveries in US

Key Points:

  1. Trump’s Rapid Policy Changes: Within 48 hours of taking office, President Donald Trump signed over 100 executive orders, including a major change to the “citizenship by birth” policy.
  2. Impact on Indian Americans: The Indian American community is significantly affected as children born in the US to parents on temporary visas will no longer receive automatic citizenship after February 20.
  3. Short-Term Solution: Preterm Deliveries: Indian families are resorting to cesarean deliveries before the rule takes effect, leading to a surge in preterm delivery requests at maternity clinics.
  4. Health Risks Highlighted: Doctors warn of serious complications for mothers and babies due to preterm deliveries, including low birth weight and underdeveloped lungs.
  5. Uncertainty and Challenges: Indian families in the US already face long waits for green cards, and the new policy adds to their instability and fear of the future.

Washington, D.C.: In a whirlwind start to his presidency, Donald Trump has made waves by signing over 100 executive orders within just 48 hours of assuming office. Among these was a landmark decision to revoke the automatic birthright citizenship law, a move that has sent shockwaves across the globe and particularly among the Indian American community.

For decades, children born in the US automatically became citizens, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. Trump’s new policy, set to take effect on February 20, changes that. Under the new rule, children born to parents on temporary visas will no longer be granted citizenship, a measure aimed at tightening immigration policies.

Indian Americans in Crisis

The Indian American community, which heavily relied on this provision, is now grappling with fear and uncertainty. Many Indians, who have been on H-1B visas for years and are stuck in green card backlogs, saw the policy as their children’s path to stability in the US.

“This was our only hope for a secure future for our family,” said an Indian man who has been waiting for a green card for six years. “Now, we face an uncertain future. Our children may no longer have the privileges we once counted on.”

The Short-Term Solution: Preterm Deliveries

In a desperate bid to secure citizenship for their unborn children, many Indian families have turned to early cesarean deliveries before the policy takes effect. Hospitals and maternity clinics across the US have reported a surge in preterm delivery requests from Indian women in their final trimesters of pregnancy.

According to a report by The Times of India, clinics in states like New Jersey and Texas are overwhelmed by requests. Dr. SD Ram, a gynecologist in New Jersey, revealed, “We have seen an unusually high number of calls and visits from pregnant women, mostly Indian, seeking early deliveries. One couple even requested a C-section at seven months, far before the due date.”

However, doctors have expressed grave concerns about this trend. Dr. SG Mukkala, a Texas-based gynecologist, warned, “Preterm deliveries can lead to severe complications such as underdeveloped lungs, low birth weight, and neurological problems. I urge couples to weigh the risks carefully.”

Looming Uncertainty for Immigrants

This new policy compounds existing challenges for Indian immigrants, many of whom already endure years-long waits for green cards and face restrictive visa conditions. Now, with the added pressure of securing citizenship for their children, families are left navigating a difficult and uncertain path.

Experts believe this drastic policy shift will have far-reaching effects on the immigrant community and the broader demographic landscape of America. As one Indian immigrant put it, “We came here seeking opportunities and stability. This policy undermines everything we’ve worked for.”

A Global Debate

Trump’s decision to revoke birthright citizenship has ignited a global debate on immigration policies and their human impact. While the administration defends the move as necessary for safeguarding national interests, critics argue it disproportionately targets vulnerable communities and creates undue hardship.

As February 20 approaches, the Indian American community continues to grapple with the fallout, navigating health risks, legal uncertainties, and a future marked by instability. Will this bold policy stance strengthen America’s borders, or will it erode the foundations of the immigrant dream? Only time will tell.

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