Indian-American presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, in his bid for the US presidency, has taken a bold stance by expressing his support for ending birthright citizenship, particularly for children born to undocumented immigrants in the United States. Ramaswamy’s announcement came during the second debate held by the Republican Party in preparation for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. This significant event took place at the iconic Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, situated in Simi Valley, California.
Washington: The choice of venue for the debate was particularly noteworthy. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum holds immense significance within the Republican Party, serving as a tribute to one of the party’s most revered figures, President Ronald Reagan. The library and museum’s setting offered a fitting backdrop for the Republican candidates to present their visions and engage in spirited discussions on the future of the United States.
Ramaswamy, on this prominent stage, shared the spotlight with six other candidates, including prominent figures like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley.
In the midst of this debate, Ramaswamy’s proposal to end birthright citizenship made headlines. The Washington Post reported on his response to a critical question regarding the legal basis for deporting undocumented immigrants and their American-born children. In his response, Ramaswamy referenced a 2015 proposal, invoking the memory of then-candidate Donald Trump, who had pledged to terminate birthright citizenship during his own presidential campaign. Ramaswamy’s argument centered on the belief that children born to undocumented immigrants in the United States should not automatically be granted citizenship because their parents had entered the country in violation of immigration laws.
Beyond his stance on birthright citizenship, Ramaswamy articulated support for a range of other policy measures. These included proposals to increase the militarization of the country’s southern border, defund “sanctuary cities” that provide refuge to refugees, and terminate foreign aid to Mexico and Central America. Ramaswamy went a step further by advocating for the end of birthright citizenship for children born to illegal immigrants in the United States.
Ramaswamy’s policy positions also extended to the contentious H-1B visa program, which he has previously criticized. He argued for the abolition of the program’s current “lottery” system and its replacement with a skills-based immigration plan. The H-1B visa program, popular among Indian IT professionals, allows US companies to hire foreign workers for specialized roles that require theoretical or technical expertise.
Interestingly, Ramaswamy’s stance on H-1B visas drew parallels to former United States President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign, during which Trump had taken a tough stance on these foreign worker visas. However, it’s worth noting that Trump later moderated his rhetoric on the issue. Additionally, Ramaswamy’s own history with the H-1B visa program is noteworthy. According to Politico, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services approved 29 applications from Ramaswamy’s former company, Roivant Sciences, to hire employees under H-1B visas from 2018 to 2023.
Time magazine called Ramaswamy “Trump’s heir” because of his growing influence in politics. The recognition drew widespread attention after a strong reveal on Aug. 23 After the main Republican debate. A post-debate poll revealed that 28 per cent of 504 respondents rated his performance as the most impressive. This backing firmly established him as a front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. A popular publication such as Time acknowledges the growing influence of political parties. This is not only his personal achievement but a testament to the conviction of his idea with a significant section of the society. This recognition could pave the way for a new chapter in his political journey, shaping the upcoming elections in a meaningful way.