Trump declares end to U.S. citizenship by birth

Context :  Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship:

• U.S. President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order canceling the provision of jus soli (citizenship by birth).

Relevance : GS 2(international Relations)

• Implications: Directly affects thousands of Indian professionals working in the U.S. on temporary visas (H-1B, etc.).Families planning to raise children in the U.S. will face significant challenges.Potential long-term impact on global mobility trends and U.S. workforce demographics.

Impact on BRICS Nations:

• President Trump threatened a 100% tariff on BRICS countries for exploring “non-dollar” transactions.
• Criticism of his remarks:Incorrectly included Spain as a BRICS member.Risk of straining relations with emerging economies, including India.

Immigration Crackdown:

• Targeting undocumented immigrants:
  • Estimated 7.25 lakh Indians could be affected.
  • Approximately 18,000 Indian nationals are already on a “final list for removal.”
  • Broader enforcement against illegal immigration could disproportionately impact vulnerable groups.

Global and Bilateral Reactions:

India’s Diplomatic Engagement:

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
  • Agenda:
    • Discuss the India-U.S. bilateral relationship and challenges arising from new U.S. policies.
    • Address the Quad’s strategic priorities amidst growing concerns over U.S. immigration and trade policies.

Global Economic Concerns:

• The proposed 100% tariffs on BRICS countries could:
  • Escalate trade tensions.
  • Undermine global efforts for a multipolar currency system.
  • India and other emerging economies may seek alternative strategies to address potential U.S. trade sanctions.

Implications for Indian Diaspora:

• Fear of instability among Indian expatriates due to potential deportations and restrictions.
  • Increased uncertainty for families planning long-term U.S. settlement.

Broader Context:

Domestic Political Implications:

• Trump’s policy decisions align with his broader anti-immigration and “America First” agenda.
  • Legal challenges could dominate political discourse in the U.S., influencing upcoming elections.

Geopolitical Dynamics:

• Heightened trade and diplomatic tensions with BRICS nations.
  • Possible realignment of global partnerships, as countries assess the long-term viability of dollar-based transactions.

Way Forward:

Legal Resolution:

• The U.S. judicial system’s interpretation of the Constitution will determine the fate of the Executive Order.
  • Monitoring the lawsuit in Boston for its implications on U.S. immigration law.

Diplomatic Engagement:

• Strengthening India-U.S. ties to mitigate challenges arising from the new policies.
  • Leveraging platforms like Quad to address broader economic and security concerns.

Strategic Adjustments:

• Indian professionals and policymakers must explore alternative avenues for immigration, education, and trade to reduce dependence on the U.S.