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An asylum-seeker from Cuba, identified only as Barbara, is expressing concerns over her unborn child's future in the United States. She is currently on bedrest and facing anxiety due to an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump that could deny her child U.S. citizenship.
Barbara fled Cuba with her family to escape political persecution linked to their Christian beliefs. The U.S. State Department recognizes religious persecution in Cuba, which can include arrests and surveillance.
"Because I would not join their political party, my family started suffering political persecution," Barbara stated.
The U.S. Supreme Court has yet to rule on a case concerning Trump's executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to parents without legal status or temporary visa holders. The court's decision will likely focus on whether federal judges were correct in blocking the order rather than its merits.
Conchita Cruz of the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project expressed concern that implementing the order could leave children stateless: "Our members were concerned that their kids would not have U.S. citizenship."
Barbara's green card application is pending, and she feels anxious about the implications of Trump's order: "It would be like stealing his future."
The 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to those born in the U.S., but Trump's administration argues it allows them to restrict this practice.
D. John Sauer, solicitor general, argued that the 14th Amendment was meant for children of former slaves, not illegal aliens or temporary visitors.
Cruz emphasized broader constitutional implications if the government reinterprets these rights: "What does this mean for due process?"
Barbara urged Trump and his administration to view immigrants with empathy: "Immigrants are people full of dreams, people seeking liberty."
Cruz also raised concerns about how stress related to immigration policies affects maternal health: "Stress during pregnancy impacts maternal health."
A decision on whether Trump's executive order can proceed while legal challenges continue is expected by June's end.
Kate Scanlon reports for OSV News from Washington.
