Trump Ends Birthright Citizenship: How you can still become a US citizen
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jan 21, 2025, 17:05 IST
So, Donald Trump has decided to shake the table—again. This time, the golden-haired showman has his sights set on birthright citizenship, the idea that if you’re born on US soil, you automatically win the American citizenship jackpot. But now, with jus soli (that’s Latin for “right of the soil”) on the chopping block, the question is: How do you still claim your slice of the American pie?
Don’t panic, my ambitious dreamer. There’s more than one way to earn those stars and stripes. Let’s take a quirky stroll through your options.
1. The Naturalisation Hustle
Think of this as the classic underdog story. First, grab yourself a green card—through family, a job, or sheer perseverance. Stay squeaky clean for 5 years (or 3 if you’ve married an American), ace some US civics trivia, and voilà! Citizenship is yours. It’s like the long road to stardom, but with fewer paparazzi and more government forms.
2. The Parental Cheat Code
Got parents who are already US citizens? Congrats! You might just slide into citizenship under their wing. As long as you’re under 18 and living in the US, your family tree could be your golden ticket. A family heirloom, but way cooler than that chipped vase from grandma.
3. Salute Uncle Sam
Nothing says “patriot” like a uniform and a salute. If you join the US military and serve honourably (read: don’t pull a Maverick stunt IRL), you could get your citizenship expedited. Bonus: snazzy military medals and a lifetime of respect.
4. Cupid’s Passport
Love has no borders, and neither does a green card if you marry a US citizen. After 3 years of wedded bliss (or at least tolerable in-laws), you can apply for citizenship. Extra credit if your spouse has an apple pie recipe passed down through generations.
5. Be the MVP
Are you a tech genius, a Hollywood star, or the next Einstein? The US loves exceptional talent. If you’re so brilliant they can’t resist, you might fast-track your green card. From there, it’s just a paperwork shuffle to becoming American royalty.
6. Play the Green Card Lottery
Every year, the US runs a Diversity Visa Lottery. Win, and you’ll score a green card—no red tape, no gimmicks. It’s like the Powerball, but instead of millions, you win the chance to live the dream. Well, maybe with millions later.
7. Refugee Shortcut
If your home country feels like a live-action disaster movie, you might qualify for asylum or refugee status. Once settled, you can apply for citizenship and start living the dream.
What Happens if Jus Soli Gets the Boot?
Without birthright citizenship, the US might feel more…European. That means no more automatic citizenship for anyone born on American soil unless their parents are citizens or legal residents. Kids could end up stateless, like Tom Hanks in The Terminal but minus the happy Hollywood ending. The Fourteenth Amendment, however, is a heavyweight in the Constitution, and any change will face serious legal battles. Until the dust settles, keep dreaming big, learn a few lines of the Declaration of Independence, and stay on your path to citizenship.
The American Dream may be evolving, but it’s far from over.
Don’t panic, my ambitious dreamer. There’s more than one way to earn those stars and stripes. Let’s take a quirky stroll through your options.
1. The Naturalisation Hustle
Think of this as the classic underdog story. First, grab yourself a green card—through family, a job, or sheer perseverance. Stay squeaky clean for 5 years (or 3 if you’ve married an American), ace some US civics trivia, and voilà! Citizenship is yours. It’s like the long road to stardom, but with fewer paparazzi and more government forms.
2. The Parental Cheat Code
Got parents who are already US citizens? Congrats! You might just slide into citizenship under their wing. As long as you’re under 18 and living in the US, your family tree could be your golden ticket. A family heirloom, but way cooler than that chipped vase from grandma.
3. Salute Uncle Sam
Nothing says “patriot” like a uniform and a salute. If you join the US military and serve honourably (read: don’t pull a Maverick stunt IRL), you could get your citizenship expedited. Bonus: snazzy military medals and a lifetime of respect.
4. Cupid’s Passport
Love has no borders, and neither does a green card if you marry a US citizen. After 3 years of wedded bliss (or at least tolerable in-laws), you can apply for citizenship. Extra credit if your spouse has an apple pie recipe passed down through generations.
5. Be the MVP
Are you a tech genius, a Hollywood star, or the next Einstein? The US loves exceptional talent. If you’re so brilliant they can’t resist, you might fast-track your green card. From there, it’s just a paperwork shuffle to becoming American royalty.
6. Play the Green Card Lottery
Every year, the US runs a Diversity Visa Lottery. Win, and you’ll score a green card—no red tape, no gimmicks. It’s like the Powerball, but instead of millions, you win the chance to live the dream. Well, maybe with millions later.
7. Refugee Shortcut
If your home country feels like a live-action disaster movie, you might qualify for asylum or refugee status. Once settled, you can apply for citizenship and start living the dream.
What Happens if Jus Soli Gets the Boot?
Without birthright citizenship, the US might feel more…European. That means no more automatic citizenship for anyone born on American soil unless their parents are citizens or legal residents. Kids could end up stateless, like Tom Hanks in The Terminal but minus the happy Hollywood ending. The Fourteenth Amendment, however, is a heavyweight in the Constitution, and any change will face serious legal battles. Until the dust settles, keep dreaming big, learn a few lines of the Declaration of Independence, and stay on your path to citizenship.
The American Dream may be evolving, but it’s far from over.