Indian couples in the United States are scheduling early C-section deliveries to ensure their children are born before February 20, 2025.
This rush follows an executive order by President Donald Trump that ends automatic citizenship for children born to non-citizen parents after February 19.
According to the Times of India, Trump issued the directive shortly after taking office. Under the new rule, babies born in the U.S. to non-citizens will no longer qualify for citizenship by birth.
Many Indian parents, especially those on temporary visas like H-1B and L1 or waiting for Green Cards, are trying to beat the deadline. Babies born before February 19 will still be granted U.S. citizenship, making early delivery a priority for many expectant parents.
Despite due dates being weeks away, reports indicate that several couples are contacting doctors to schedule early C-sections.
Dr. S.D. Rama, a gynecologist in New Jersey, said his clinic has seen a surge in C-section requests, including from women as early as seven months pregnant. One couple even requested delivery in February, though the baby was due in March.
A major reason for this rush is the long-term immigration benefits. Previously, U.S.-born children could sponsor their parents for Green Cards once they turned 21. For Indian nationals facing decades-long backlogs in visa processing, this was a crucial pathway to legal residency.
However, medical professionals are warning against premature deliveries. Texas-based obstetrician Dr. S.G. Mukkala highlighted the risks, including respiratory issues and neurological complications. Despite this, he has received about 20 requests for early deliveries in recent days.
For undocumented immigrants, the situation is even more critical. Without birthright citizenship, their children will have no claim to legal status, leaving many families uncertain about their future in the U.S.
As the February deadline approaches, Indian families across the country are making difficult decisions to secure a future for their children in America.