The venture capitalist emphasized that the termination of birthright citizenship disproportionately affects families of H-1B visa holders, many of whom are Indian nationals awaiting permanent residency. Under the new directive, children born to parents on temporary visas, such as H-1B or H-4, will no longer receive automatic citizenship if neither parent is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. This development introduces a layer of legal uncertainty for these families, as their U.S.-born children must now navigate complex naturalization processes or face potential self-deportation upon reaching adulthood.
The H-1B visa program, which permits up to 85,000 high-skilled foreign workers to enter the U.S. annually, has been a subject of intense debate. Figures like Elon Musk have defended the program, highlighting its importance to American industries, while others, including Steve Bannon and Bernie Sanders, have criticized it for allegedly disadvantaging American workers. The recent policy changes have intensified these discussions, bringing to light the complexities surrounding immigration and labor in the U.S.