Donald Trump returning as the 47th President of the United States is causing worries for many immigrants, including thousands of Indians. Right after he took office on January 2, 2025, Trump made a big change: he signed an order to cancel “birthright citizenship.” This means that babies born in America won’t automatically become citizens anymore.
In an interview, Meera Shankar, a former Indian ambassador to the US, said this decision feels unfair and shows a sense of fear among white Americans. She explained that Trump has a strong plan for his second term, especially since he has support from the Senate, House of Representatives, and the Supreme Court, which lean towards his ideas.
Shankar noted that Trump’s focus on illegal immigration will affect countries like India. She mentioned that India’s government is willing to take back around 18,000 Indian migrants living in the US illegally. But, finding and verifying these individuals might be hard since many don’t have proper documents.
In total, around 11 million undocumented immigrants live in the US, with about 725,000 of them being Indians. This larger number raises concerns about how both countries will handle possible deportations. Shankar highlighted that mass deportations could look bad for the Indian government but would likely please Trump’s supporters in America.
She also pointed out that Trump has mixed opinions on programs like the H-1B visa, which allows skilled workers from other countries, including India, to work in the US. Some believe these programs take jobs from Americans, while others argue they help fill important job gaps in the country.
Overall, Shankar feels we are entering a tough and uncertain time with Trump’s new leadership. He can change his mind quickly and has a strong desire to make changes fast.
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