In a recent Republican presidential debate held at the hallowed grounds of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California, Vivek Ramaswamy, an Indian-American vying for the highest office in the land, articulated his support for terminating birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants in the United States.
Ramaswamy’s stance draws inspiration from a 2015 proposal initiated by then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, a move that has resurfaced as a hot-button issue in the 2024 election cycle. The crux of this proposal questions the long-held tradition of granting citizenship to those born on American soil, invoking the first section of the citizenship clause of the US Constitution’s 14th Amendment, which reads, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”
Notably, Ramaswamy contends that this clause leaves room for interpretation, suggesting that the government could potentially restrict birthright citizenship, as other constitutional principles have been limited in the past. Consequently, he argues that children born in the United States to undocumented immigrants should not be conferred citizenship, contending that their parents’ presence in the country constitutes a breach of the law.
During the debate, Ramaswamy also voiced support for a series of measures aimed at curbing undocumented immigration, including the militarization of the southern border, defunding “sanctuary cities,” and terminating foreign aid to Mexico and Central America. He further advanced his position by proposing to eliminate birthright citizenship for the offspring of illegal immigrants, marking a noteworthy shift in the immigration discourse.
Ramaswamy’s emergence as a presidential contender has attracted considerable attention, particularly for his unflinching policy proposals. His critique of the H-1B visa program, which he deems in need of a substantial overhaul, aligns with his overarching immigration agenda, emphasizing a meritocratic and skill-based immigration system that aligns with the United States’ evolving needs.
The H-1B visa program, highly sought after by Indian IT professionals, permits US companies to employ foreign workers in specialized roles requiring advanced expertise. Ramaswamy’s position mirrors the early rhetoric of then-candidate Donald Trump during the 2016 campaign, who advocated for a stricter stance on these foreign workers before subsequently moderating his stance.
It is worth noting that Ramaswamy himself has utilized the H-1B visa program on 29 occasions, highlighting the intricacies and nuances of immigration policy in the United States.
Ramaswamy’s ascendancy within the Republican presidential primary field underscores the significance of his uncompromising policy positions, as he seeks to carve a distinctive path in the crowded landscape of presidential contenders. His relentless pursuit of immigration reform, including the controversial birthright citizenship issue, underscores his determination to shape the national discourse on key policy matters.
By PTI
