New Delhi: Indian couples in the US are rushing to schedule C-sections before February 20th, the perceived deadline for a potential birthright citizenship ban under a Trump-era executive order. Doctors report a surge in requests for premature deliveries, even from women months away from their due dates.
Dr. S.D. Rama, a gynaecologist in New Jersey, described receiving numerous requests for C-sections from women in their eighth and ninth months of pregnancy, some even earlier. One woman, seven months pregnant, requested a preterm delivery despite not being due until March, the Times of India (TOI) reported.
This rush is fueled by the desire for US citizenship for their children, which could potentially pave the way for parents’ US residency once the child turns 21. Dr S G Mukkala, a Texas-based obstetrician, expressed concern over the risks associated with preterm births, including underdeveloped lungs, feeding problems, and neurological complications. He reported speaking to around 20 such couples in just two days.
“I am trying to tell couples that even if it is possible, a preterm birth poses a significant risk to mother and child. Complications include underdeveloped lungs, feeding problems, low birth weight, neurological complications and more,” he was quoted as saying by TOI.
While some on social media platforms like Reddit understand the parents’ urgency, others highlight the risks and the potential disappointment of the “American dream” given the long backlog for green cards. One user pointed out the lengthy wait times for legal permanent residency, with some applications from 2007 still being processed.
“American dream is a scam. Right now they are processing 2012 eb2/3 for India. Which means typically for people who entered the US in 2007. ie if a 22 year old fresh out of college entered the US in 2007, they will be getting green card around this time. Another 5 years for citizenship. 45 years old to become a citizen. Know what you are signing up for,” wrote one person on Reddit.
The uncertainty surrounding the future of birthright citizenship has caused anxiety for many expectant parents. Priya, due to give birth in March, expressed fear about her family’s stability given the six-year wait for their green cards.
“We were counting on our child being born here. We’ve been waiting for our green cards for six years. This was the only way to ensure stability for our family. We are terrified of the uncertainty,” Priya told TOI.
The February 20 date stems from an executive order signed by US President Trump aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children born to non-citizens and those without green cards prompting parents to deliver babies by C-section before February 20.
