For many parents around the world, the decision to give birth in the United States has been a strategic one, aimed at providing their children with a future full of opportunities. Fatima Asaad, a Sudanese mother of two, is one of those parents who, with relief, looks back at the moment her children received American birthright citizenship—a status now threatened by political shifts in the U.S. Donald Trump’s proposed changes to the country’s birthright citizenship policy have sparked concern and uncertainty among families who had hoped to secure a better future for their children.
Growing up in Sudan, Fatima faced numerous challenges, including limited travel options. “The Sudanese passport has its limitations,” she explained. “We only have access to 41 visa-free destinations, and obtaining a visa can be a daunting task.” With her children’s American citizenship, however, she believes their futures will be different. “My kids can travel freely and access better educational opportunities,” Fatima added.
The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution has long granted citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, regardless of the immigration status of their parents. However, Trump’s administration proposed ending this policy, requiring at least one parent to be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident for a child born in the U.S. to automatically acquire citizenship. This potential change threatens to alter a foundational principle of American law, one that Fatima, and many others, relied upon to secure a better future for their children.
The Journey to U.S. Citizenship
Fatima’s decision to give birth in the U.S. was not taken lightly. Her husband was working in the U.S. at the time, and as soon as she learned she was pregnant, she began envisioning a future for her children beyond the constraints she had known. “From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I envisioned a future for my kids that would surpass my own,” Fatima said. “The U.S. offered the kind of opportunities that could change their lives.”
As the U.S. political climate shifts, families like Fatima’s are grateful they acted before any potential policy changes took effect. Leila Marwan, a Moroccan mother of two, echoed these sentiments. Her eldest child holds Moroccan citizenship, while her youngest is an American citizen. “I’m so thankful we made the decision to have our second child in the U.S. when we did,” Leila said. “It’s reassuring to know that their citizenship is secure, regardless of the political climate.”
The Uncertainty of Immigration Policy
Leila, like many others, believes that birthright citizenship should not be used as a political bargaining chip. “As a mother, I want my children to feel secure and to know that they belong,” she asserted. The Trump administration’s immigration policies, which include efforts to deport undocumented immigrants while offering protections for Dreamers (young immigrants brought to the U.S. as children), have stirred anxiety among families who fear that their children may lose out on the opportunities they had hoped for.
Amina T, another Sudanese mother who is newly married and considering starting a family, is watching these developments closely. “With everything happening in Sudan, the future feels so uncertain,” she shared. “Hearing about Trump’s plans makes me even more determined to ensure my children have the same opportunities. Those who acted before these changes are truly fortunate.”
Security and Opportunity for the Next Generation
As these families reflect on their decisions, they find solace in knowing that their actions have secured a sense of security and opportunity for their children. Fatima admitted that the journey was not easy, but the peace of mind it has given her is invaluable. “It wasn’t easy,” she said. “But knowing my children have opportunities that I didn’t, gives me immense peace of mind.”
For these parents, the decision to secure American birthright citizenship was not just about access to better travel or education—it was about providing their children with a better future. While the fate of birthright citizenship remains uncertain, these families are deeply grateful that they acted when they did, ensuring that their children are secure in a world full of changing political landscapes.
