Hindu American Foundation Advocates for Birthright Citizenship in Supreme Court

Washington, March 7: The Hindu American Foundation, in collaboration with several other religious organizations, has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold birthright citizenship. The organization argues that limiting this constitutional right would increase insecurity among immigrant families and negatively impact the nation’s religious diversity.

According to media reports, on February 26, the Hindu American Foundation, alongside 57 religious organizations, filed an amicus brief in the case titled “Trump v. Barbara,” which is currently under consideration by the Supreme Court.

This filing comes in response to concerns raised by immigrant families following an executive order issued by the Trump administration in January 2025 aimed at restricting birthright citizenship.

The foundation asserts that the Constitution provides clear protections for children born in the United States. Since January 2025, immigrant parents have expressed anxiety over the Trump administration’s attempts to limit birthright citizenship.

The organization emphasizes that the U.S. Constitution explicitly states that children born in the country are citizens at birth.

Moreover, the foundation argues that this issue transcends constitutional matters, touching upon moral and religious values. Hindu traditions teach the importance of welcoming others and viewing the world as one family.

In its statement, the foundation noted that birthright citizenship is not only a constitutional right but also a moral obligation in Hinduism to welcome others and embrace global unity.

To support this argument, the organization referenced Hindu scriptures. The Maha Upanishad states that narrow-minded individuals differentiate between “us” and “them,” while those with a broad perspective see the entire world as one family.

Similarly, the Taittiriya Upanishad teaches that guests should be treated as divine beings.

The foundation believes that the Hindu community, along with other religious groups, holds the view that immigrants and their families should be welcomed and their rights protected.

According to the organization, children of immigrants coming to America should be guaranteed citizenship to ensure their families feel secure.

The foundation also stated that birthright citizenship plays a crucial role in maintaining religious diversity in the United States.

Nidhi Shah, Senior Legal Director of the Hindu American Foundation, highlighted the direct impact of this issue on immigrant communities striving to establish themselves in a new country.

Shah remarked, “I have witnessed countless families in my community navigating the challenging path of settling in a new country, facing the difficulties of raising children in an environment they are still trying to understand, and fighting to uphold their religious traditions.”

She added, “Birthright citizenship is essential for these families to feel safe in coming and staying here.”

This case arises at a time when there is a widespread debate in the U.S. regarding immigration policy and the interpretation of citizenship under the Constitution.

The issue centers on the 14th Amendment, adopted after the Civil War, which states that all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to its jurisdiction, are citizens of the country.