What happened: Under former President Trump's proposed changes, abandoned infants, or 'foundlings', would need proof that a biological parent is a U.S. citizen or lawful resident to gain citizenship. Without such evidence, these children risk becoming stateless.
Why it matters:
- This could affect vulnerable abandoned infants who lack documentation of their parents' status.
- It challenges the traditional understanding of birthright citizenship in the U.S., potentially impacting immigration and adoption policies.
MNN Take: The policy shift would require proof of parental citizenship for abandoned babies to receive U.S. citizenship, raising concerns about statelessness for those without such proof.
Sources: NYTimes US