Washington, March 7: The Hindu American Foundation, alongside 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 impact the nation’s religious diversity.
According to media reports, on February 26, the Hindu American Foundation, in collaboration with 57 religious organizations, filed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court case titled “Trump v. Barbara,” which is currently under consideration.
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 protection for children born in the United States. Since January 2025, immigrant parents have expressed anxiety over attempts by the Trump administration to limit this right.
The organization emphasizes that the U.S. Constitution explicitly states that children born in America are citizens from the moment of their birth.
They argue that this issue is not only constitutional but also tied to moral and religious values. Hindu tradition teaches the importance of welcoming others and viewing the world as one family.
In their statement, the foundation noted that birthright citizenship is not just a constitutional right but also a moral obligation in Hinduism to welcome others and embrace the world as one family.
To support this argument, the organization referenced Hindu scriptures, stating that the Maha Upanishad teaches that narrow-minded individuals see some as their own and others as outsiders, while those with a broader perspective view the entire world as one family. Similarly, the Taittiriya Upanishad instructs that guests should be treated as divine.
The foundation believes that the Hindu community, along with other religious groups, supports the idea that immigrants and their families should be welcomed and their rights protected.
According to the organization, children of immigrants coming to America should have the security of citizenship so that their families can feel safe.
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 trying to settle in a new country.
Shah remarked, “I have seen countless families in my community navigate the difficult path of establishing their lives in a new country, facing challenges in raising children in an environment they are still trying to understand, and fighting to maintain their religious traditions.”
She further stated, “Birthright citizenship is essential for these families to feel secure in coming here and staying here.”
This case comes at a time when there is a significant 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.