Does Birthright Citizenship Order Leave Babies 'Stateless'?
USAFriday, January 24, 2025
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President Trump's recent executive order on birthright citizenship has sparked concern among immigrant groups. The order aims to limit citizenship to children born in the U. S. to parents who are citizens or permanent residents. But what does this mean for asylum-seekers?
Imagine a Venezuelan couple seeking asylum in the U. S. They have a baby here, but can't register the child as a Venezuelan citizen. Why? Because Venezuela no longer has an embassy in the U. S. This leaves the baby in a tough spot – neither country recognizes them as a citizen. Ouch!
This situation could affect not just Venezuelans, but any asylum-seeker from a country without a U. S. embassy. According to Juan De la Vega, an immigration lawyer in Miami, these kids might have to apply for asylum themselves or be added to their parents' claim. Not ideal!
Even for countries with embassies, things aren't easy. Requesting a passport for a U. S. -born child could threaten the parents' asylum claims. That's a tricky situation!
Some lawyers suggest there might be a loophole. If you're applying for asylum, you're here lawfully and intend to stay permanently. So, maybe these kids can still get citizenship? We'll have to wait and see how this plays out in court.