Latest Citizenship News | Top Citizenship News Headlines Today | Today India news | Breaking Citizenship News Today | English Citizenship News Headlines - TheDailyGuardian

Is Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Stance Affecting His Family? | TDG Explainer

May 16, 2025, 1:58 pm

The Supreme Court has recently heard arguments in a case that began as an executive order from President Donald Trump on his first day in office. That order sought to exclude citizenship to children born on U.S. soil if parents are in the country illegally or only temporarily.

The Trump administration has introduced several reforms related to immigration policies. Now, a new question has emerged: Could some of these reforms impact his own son, Barron Trump?

What is the birthright citizenship case about?

President Trump stated that a child born in America cannot be automatically termed an American citizen if the parents are not U.S. citizens or green card holders. In order to keep his campaign promise of repealing birthright citizenship irrespective of parental immigration status, he signed an executive order called “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship.” This 700-word order will be effective from February 20, as per White House officials.

This executive order is a dramatic alteration to the 14th Amendment, which broadly awards citizenship to anyone born in the United States with a few exceptions.

Will Barron Trump’s citizenship be impacted?

To consider this, it’s necessary to know something about Barron Trump’s history. He is President Trump’s son and his wife Melania Trump, who is from Slovenia.

Barron is Melania’s only son. He went to Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School in Manhattan as a child and is now pursuing postsecondary education, much to some demands that he get into politics after his father’s 2024 presidential election win.

Born at Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan in 2006, Barron is a U.S. citizen at birth according to contemporary citizenship laws. Melania was a legal U.S. resident at the time of his birth and has had a green card since 2001. The new executive order will therefore not impact Barron Trump’s citizenship.

Newjeans’ Hanni Faces Visa Challenges Amid Contract Dispute With ADOR

December 21, 2024, 12:20 pm

Member Hanni has experienced legal and immigration concerns as a result of recent episodes with NewJeans and her breakup from the group ADOR.

According to a report on December 20, 2024, South Korean Customs classified Hanni as an illegal immigrant after an anonymous person complained about her. Although ADOR earlier guaranteed that her visa renewal was in progress, this comes after rumours that her visa was close to expiring. The situation has gotten more complex since the agency denied the group’s public claim of contract termination last month.

Hanni, a dual citizen of Australia and Vietnam, is in possession of an E-6 visa, which is typically granted to foreign entertainers visiting South Korea. However, employment with a sponsoring organization is a prerequisite for these visas. Since South Korean immigration law requires a new visa application or sponsor approval within 15 days of contract termination, Hanni’s visa would have expired on December 13 if the termination claim is valid. ADOR is unlikely to help in transferring her visa to another agency because they still insist that the contract is valid

Danielle is unaffected, as she is a fellow member who holds dual citizenship in Korea and Australia, but Hanni may be deported if her visa status is not resolved. As her existing status might make her an unlawful resident, she has two options: either to apply for a new visa overseas or to find a new organisation that can sponsor her. A settlement is not so clear because of the judicial disputes between ADOR and NewJeans, especially as hostilities with HYBE’s parent business make things more complicated.

Canadian Man Claims Indian Mothers Giving Birth in Canada for Citizenship, Sparks Outrage

November 17, 2024, 1:07 pm

A viral video posted by Canadian citizen Chad Eros has sparked controversy after he claimed that Indian mothers are traveling to Canada to give birth and take advantage of the country’s healthcare system and citizenship laws. Eros alleges that these women want their children to be born in Canada to easily obtain citizenship in the future.

In the video, Eros shares a personal story about his niece’s experience at a local hospital, where nurses reportedly told her that the maternity ward was filled with Indian women who had come to Canada for childbirth. While Eros acknowledges that Canadian hospitals should offer equal care to all patients, he expresses concerns about Indian immigrants occupying many maternity ward beds, potentially depriving Canadian mothers of resources.

Watch:

– Pregnant Indian Women Flying To Canada For Free Births and Canadian Citizen Babies at Tax Payer Expense
– Tonight my niece had a baby making my sister a grand parent before me. Congrats!
– The nurse told my niece that the maternity ward is full of Indian women flying to Canada… pic.twitter.com/Vfbk07AVRz

— Chad Eros (@RealChadEros) November 13, 2024

Eros argues that many of these Indian mothers return to India after giving birth, leaving their children to eventually return to Canada as citizens, who could then sponsor their parents and siblings. He claims this process is “all free of charge at the Canadian taxpayer’s expense.”

While some Canadians agree with Eros, others point out that the Canadian government has enabled this situation. One commenter stated, “The citizenship for births in Canada needs to be abolished. Any child with citizenship, with parents who aren’t citizens, living outside of the country, should have citizenship taken away.”

This controversy has intensified the ongoing political tension between India and Canada, particularly regarding illegal immigration and medical policies. While some Canadians feel their healthcare system is being exploited, others argue that the government is responsible for addressing the issue.

Pregnancy For Citizenship?: Indian Women Traveling to Canada for Free Births | VIRAL VIDEO

November 14, 2024, 11:41 am

A video posted by a Canadian man, Chad Eros, on the social media platform X, has sparked a heated debate online. Eros raised concerns over the growing trend of pregnant Indian women flying to Canada to give birth, seemingly in an effort to secure Canadian citizenship for their babies. His video has quickly gone viral, with netizens offering mixed reactions.

The Allegations: Pregnant Women Traveling for “Free Births”

In the video, Eros claims that many pregnant women from India are traveling to Canada to take advantage of the country’s healthcare system, which offers free maternity care. After delivering their babies, these women return to India, leaving their children to grow up as Canadian citizens. According to Eros, these children, upon reaching adulthood, will eventually sponsor their parents and siblings for Canadian citizenship, bringing the entire family over.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

– Pregnant Indian Women Flying To Canada For Free Births and Canadian Citizen Babies at Tax Payer Expense
– Tonight my niece had a baby making my sister a grand parent before me. Congrats!
– The nurse told my niece that the maternity ward is full of Indian women flying to Canada… pic.twitter.com/Vfbk07AVRz

— Chad Eros (@RealChadEros) November 13, 2024

“I recently heard from my niece, who just became a mother,” Eros explained in the video. “She was told by a nurse that the maternity ward was full of Indian women flying in just to have their babies and get Canadian citizenship.” He goes on to express frustration, stating that Canadian taxpayers are footing the bill for these births, which he claims is a growing issue.

Growing Public Response: Mixed Reactions to the Claims

Eros’s claims have stirred controversy, with many commenting on the video. Some users expressed support for his view, suggesting that Canada should consider revoking citizenship for those who do not live in the country. “We could always just uncitizen those that don’t live here and have dual citizenship elsewhere,” one user commented.

HAVE A LOOK AT THE REACTIONS:

Think it’s time to end birthright citizenship…

— Kyosuke (@kyosukethedegen) November 13, 2024

We could always just uncitizen those that don’t live here and have dual citizenship elsewhere.

— John Jacobs (@jacobs_cda) November 13, 2024

Interesting theory but anecdotal. I’d love to see my stats on this…

— trevor.mchaney.cfa (@OGzzolaman) November 14, 2024

However, others questioned the validity of Eros’s assertions, demanding evidence to back up his claims. “I’d love to see my stats on this,” wrote one skeptical user, asking for concrete proof that Indian women are indeed traveling to Canada in large numbers for childbirth.

The Reality: What Experts Say

While the issue raised by Eros has sparked intense debate, experts argue that the practice of “birth tourism” is not new, and many countries, including the US and Canada, have seen an influx of foreign nationals seeking citizenship for their children through birthright. However, it’s important to note that birth tourism is illegal in some places and is heavily scrutinized. Canadian immigration laws require individuals to meet specific criteria for citizenship and residency, and authorities are vigilant in preventing any fraudulent claims.

A Complex Debate

The topic of birth tourism and its impact on public services continues to generate mixed opinions. While some believe that the practice is unfair to taxpayers, others argue that it’s a legitimate way for individuals to seek a better future for their children. The growing controversy over this issue highlights broader debates about immigration, citizenship, and the use of public services by non-residents.

In the meantime, Eros’s video has raised awareness about what some see as an ongoing problem, but it remains to be seen how Canadian authorities will address these concerns moving forward.

Bangladeshi Hindu Refugees in Gadchiroli Appeal to Centre for Citizenship

September 17, 2024, 11:02 am

Approximately 50,000 Bangladeshi Hindu refugees living in Gadchiroli district, Maharashtra, are appealing to the Indian government for citizenship and basic rights. Settling in this naxal-affected region has posed significant challenges for these refugees, who have long struggled with inadequate access to essential services such as roads, electricity, education, and healthcare.

For years, the refugees have faced difficulties in obtaining land ownership, education in their native Bengali, caste certificates, and reservation benefits. The implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has further complicated their efforts to secure citizenship.

The Nikhil Bharat Bengali Sharnarthi Samanvay Samiti, which has been advocating for these refugees, is pressing the government for justice. Dr. Subodh Biswas, National President of the Nikhil Bharat Bengali Refugee Coordination Committee, stated, “Nobody leaves their homeland willingly. Bangladeshi Hindus see India as their motherland, which is why they moved to Maharashtra. They now face discrimination and lack basic rights like land ownership, caste certificates, and citizenship. We trust Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, but we are dissatisfied with the CAA’s provisions.”

Refugee Bidhan Bepari added, “We arrived in 1964 due to safety concerns in Bangladesh. Around 20 lakh people migrated, with some settling in West Bengal. Although the government settled many refugees until 1974, conditions were dire, with scarce resources and wild animals. Despite clearing forests and starting agriculture, basic issues persist. Around 80% of us lack citizenship, and we feel deprived of freedom despite India’s independence in 1947. We need citizenship, caste certificates, and legal land ownership.”

Maharani Shuken, another refugee, shared, “I was just a year old when my father brought us to India to escape violence in Bangladesh. Despite being provided with land and animals, we remained impoverished and have not received caste certificates. The land allocated to us has been divided over time. We urgently request the government to provide us with caste certificates and address our plight.”

Unlocking Citizenship: How DNA Tests Are Changing Lives Globally

August 19, 2024, 3:49 pm

Ancestry Tests as a Gateway to Dual Citizenship

More than 40 million people worldwide have used DNA ancestry tests from companies like Ancestry, 23andMe, and MyHeritage since the first public genetic genealogy test was launched in 2000. Originally employed for uncovering ancestral heritage and discovering unknown relatives, these tests are now being utilized in a new and significant way: applying for citizenship.

Rising Trend in Citizenship Applications

Professor Turi King, director of the Milner Centre for Evolution at Bath University and presenter of the BBC show ‘DNA Family Secrets’, predicts that DNA testing will increasingly serve as a tool for gaining dual citizenship. King noted that as more individuals uncover their ancestry and biological connections, they can leverage this information to acquire citizenship in various countries. “The use of DNA evidence to secure citizenship will only grow,” King remarked, highlighting the appeal of Irish passports, which also grant EU membership.

Success Stories and Changing Lives

Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that DNA evidence is already being used by applicants to prove their entitlement to Irish citizenship through a parent. One notable case is Richard Sayers, featured on ‘DNA Family Secrets’ in 2022. Sayers used DNA results to locate his father, an Irishman from Galway, and subsequently applied for an Irish passport. This new citizenship allowed him and his wife to relocate to La Manga, Spain, marking the fulfillment of a long-held dream.

Similarly, former Team GB Olympian Sarah Claxton, 44, used ancestry DNA testing to track down her American father, whom she had known only by a nickname. The test connected her with one of his grandchildren, providing the answers she had long sought.

These developments reflect a growing trend where DNA testing not only uncovers family connections but also opens doors to new opportunities, including citizenship.

Central Government Over First Set Of Citizenship Documents Under CAA

May 15, 2024, 6:41 pm

The Ministry of Home Affairs handed over citizenship certificates to 14 people under the Citizenship Amendment Act, on Wednesday. The law was passed by the parliament in 2019. The BJP-led Central government, however, notified the CAA rules in March this year.

In its Lok Sabha elections manifesto, the BJP promised that it would grant citizenship to eligible applicants under the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Union home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla handed over the documents to some applicants in the national capital.

“The first set of citizenship certificates after notification of Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 were issued today. Union Home Secretary Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla handed over citizenship certificates to some applicants in New Delhi today. The Home Secretary congratulated the applicants and highlighted salient features of the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024. Secretary Posts, Director (IB), Registrar General of India and senior officers were also present during the interactive session,” the home ministry said in a statement today.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act was notified by the Central government on March 11, weeks before the commencement of the Lok Sabha elections.

The CAA rules authorise the District Level Committee (DLC) to accept applications of eligible people for Indian citizenship. They further empower the State Level Empowered Committee to scrutinise the applications ahead of granting citizenship.

According to the ministry’s statements, since December 13, 2014, individuals from the Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi, and Christian communities in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who were persecuted for their religious beliefs and fled to India have been submitting applications to the authorities.

It went on to state that following document verification, the applicants were given an oath of allegiance by the appointed officers chairing the DLCs.

“After processing as per rules, DLCs have forwarded the applications to the State Level Empowered Committee headed by the Director (Census operation). Processing of applications is completely done through the online portal The Empowered Committee, Delhi headed by Director (Census Operation), Delhi, after due scrutiny, have decided to grant citizenship to 14 applicants,” the central government added.

Various opposition leaders, such as Pinarayi Vijayan of Kerala and Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal, have sworn they will not carry out the law. The countrywide implementation of the law has been pledged by both Union Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The opposition argues that the CAA is unconstitutional and discriminates against Muslims. The BJP asserts that the bill is not intended to strip Muslims of their citizenship and charges the Opposition of deceiving Muslims in order to win votes.

First Batch Of Citizenship Certificates Issued Under CAA, 14 Individuals Granted Indian Citizenship

May 15, 2024, 5:39 pm

The Ministry of Home Affairs announced on Wednesday the issuance of the first set of citizenship certificates under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). A total of 14 individuals have been granted CAA certificates, according to official sources. Union Home Secretary Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla personally presented citizenship certificates to select applicants in New Delhi today, as stated by the government in an official release.

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-media-max-width=”560″><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>The first set of citizenship certificates after notification of Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 were issued today. Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla handed over citizenship certificates to some applicants in New Delhi today. Home Secretary congratulated the applicants… <a href=”https://t.co/RBTYSreN9O”>pic.twitter.com/RBTYSreN9O</a></p>— ANI (@ANI) <a href=”https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1790698031030972711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>May 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

In a related development, Home Minister Amit Shah accused Mamata Banerjee of spreading misinformation about CAA, affirming that “Matuas will get citizenship” and asserting that the implementation of CAA cannot be halted by the West Bengal CM.

CAA rules explained: How can refugees apply for Indian citizenship

March 12, 2024, 12:47 pm

With the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party government on Monday, the law has reentered public discourse.

The Citizenship Amendment Act was passed by Parliament in 2019. Its objective is to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from six communities (Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and Parsis) who have arrived from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan following religious persecution. It had sparked protests due to the exclusion of Muslims from the list.

The CAA formed a crucial component of the BJP’s manifesto during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Last month, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated that the CAA would be enforced before this year’s Lok Sabha elections.

Here is the government’s consolidated response to all queries raised during the introduction of the CAA:

What is the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)?

The law doesn’t strip anyone of citizenship or confer citizenship upon anyone. It simply alters the eligibility criteria for citizenship applications. It achieves this by excluding applicants from being classified as “illegal migrants.” Specifically, it refers to individuals from the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, or Christian communities originating from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014, and have been granted exemptions by the Central Government or the Foreigners Act, under clause (c) of sub-section (2) of section 3 of the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, or the provisions of 1946 or under any rule.

The legal basis for this exception is outlined in two notifications released by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2015.

Essentially, these notifications apply only to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, or Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan who arrived in India prior to December 31, 2014, out of fear of religious persecution.

What does the citizenship law do?

This legislation doesn’t automatically confer citizenship upon them; it simply renders them eligible to apply for it. They must demonstrate five years of residency in India and provide evidence of their arrival before December 31, 2014. Additionally, they need to substantiate that they fled their countries due to religious persecution, speak languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, and meet the criteria outlined in the Third Schedule of the Civil Code 1955. Upon meeting these requirements, they can apply, and the decision to grant citizenship ultimately rests with the Government of India.

The Modi government today notified the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024.

These rules will now enable minorities persecuted on religious grounds in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to acquire citizenship in our nation.

With this notification PM Shri @narendramodi Ji has…

— Amit Shah (Modi Ka Parivar) (@AmitShah) March 11, 2024

What kind of visa does India issue to refugees?

Refugees who do not meet the criteria, irrespective of their religion, will still be safeguarded under India’s existing ad-hoc refugee policy. This policy entails issuing long-term stay visas to allow them to reside in India.

As per the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR, numerous refugees from nations like Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, etc., are leading comfortable lives in India. The government clarifies that this legislation excludes Muslim refugees because it believes that once conditions in their home countries stabilize, they should return home.

How does India give visas to refugees?

India’s historical policy has consistently been non-inclusive, predating the current government’s tenure. Certain nations are constitutionally Islamic states, with Islam as the official religion, yet some Muslims seek refuge in India, fleeing oppression and tyranny in their home countries. From a policy standpoint, India sees no rationale in excluding them.

What are the problems faced by non-Muslim refugees?

Constitutional issues exist for non-Muslims in neighboring nations, where they often face severe persecution, suggesting they are unworthy of residing there. Hence, providing amnesty to non-Muslims appears reasonable. Muslims are addressed as distinct cases, mirroring the approach taken for Muslims arriving from countries like Syria and Afghanistan.

How is the government tackling the Rohingya issue?

Regarding Burma, the Rohingya arrived in India during the era of undivided India, under British rule in Burma. Consequently, Burma does not recognize them as part of its ethnic groups or citizens. This has sparked controversy for India. While Rohingya refugees have been granted protection and long-term visas in India, they won’t qualify for citizenship, as doing so could strain relations with Burma.

Is this law against Muslims?

The government maintains that this law does not target Muslims. Individuals in India due to persecution will eventually be repatriated to their home countries. There should be no presumption of eligibility for citizenship here. Those facing enduring persecution will receive protection. The policy of non-inclusion will persist. However, if refugee conditions do not improve in the next five decades, additional ad hoc constitutional measures may be required to enhance their protection, although this is not current policy.

Singer Adnan Sami criticises his former country Pakistan

November 14, 2022, 5:00 pm

Singer Adnan Sami took to her instagram and penned a shocking note criticising his former country Pakistan. Sami renounced his Pakistani citizenship in 2016 and became a citizen of India.

In his Instagram post, he promised to “expose the reality” of what Pakistan did to him. He wrote, “Many people ask me why I have such contempt towards Pakistan. The hard truth is that I have absolutely no contempt towards the people of Pakistan who have been good to me. I love everyone who loves me– period. I have major issues with the establishment. Those who truly know me will also know what that establishment did to me for many years which ultimately became one of the big reasons for me to leave Pak.”

Adnan’s post has left people eccentric. A social media user commenting on the post, “”What actually happened? Can’t wait for you to spill the truth,”

“You can’t imagine how much we love you, Sir. I wish you were here in Pakistan, working with your son Azaan and doing concerts everywhere together. I’m sure there must be some very serious issue that forced you to leave Pak. But always remember, you have your true fans here, who love you soo much and listen to your music since the beginning,” another social media user wrote.

In 2020, Adnan Sami was awarded with Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour.

President refuses to sign citizenship law: 5 points on Nepal political crisis

September 21, 2022, 2:39 pm

A squabble between the Nepalese government and the country’s president over citizenship legislation could spark a political and constitutional crisis. As Nepalese President Bidhya Devi Bhandari refused to sign proposed changes to the citizenship law, here are five takeaways:

1. According to reports, the proposed bill will provide citizenship certificates to children whose parents’ whereabouts are unknown, resulting in over 500,000 people receiving citizenship certificates and eventually gaining voting rights.

2. The bill will also provide citizenship documents to Nepalis who are citizens of other countries, allowing them to conduct business in Nepal.

3. The bill has been passed twice by a majority in Nepal’s parliament.

4. According to five top leaders of the ruling alliance’s political parties, the president’s refusal to approve the bill has deprived many Nepalis of their right to citizenship.

5. According to Nepal’s opposition parties, the bill must include a provision requiring foreign women to wait seven years before obtaining Nepali citizenship.