Kris Ramsingh, a legal immigrant from Trinidad and a business owner in Virginia, has spoken out against birth tourism and the practice of granting birthright citizenship, calling it a "slap in the face" to individuals who have undergone extensive legal processes to immigrate to the United States. Ramsingh, who immigrated in 2006 and became a U.S. citizen in 2015, shared his own journey, emphasizing the federal requirements he met, including proof of vaccinations, personal documentation, criminal background checks, and financial stability.
"When you see that people come across the border, whether it's [to] have a baby for an anchor, or come across to border and get free healthcare, [or] free school, it's really a slap in the face to the people who have worked really hard to come into this country the legal way," Ramsingh told Fox News Digital in an interview. He contrasted his experience with what he perceives as easier paths for those entering illegally.
Ramsingh's arrival in the U.S. with his wife in 2006 marked the beginning of his "American Dream," a concept he defines by the ability to work hard, try new ventures, and persist even after setbacks. He founded Dominion Custom Upholstery in Roanoke, Virginia, 13 years ago and later started businesses focused on boatworks and interior repairs. He also established Dominion Project International, a missionary organization that provides clean water and medical supplies in India, Africa, and the Caribbean.
His appreciation for the United States was shaped by a personal experience in 1990 when Trinidad faced a coup. He recalled the arrival of American soldiers, which brought a sense of safety and security, leading him to believe that "America had our back." This experience, he stated, fostered a deep respect for the nation's role in global stability.
He expressed concern over individuals who criticize the U.S. after receiving assistance and highlighted his own sense of pride and security upon returning to U.S. soil. Ramsingh stated, "That feeling is so great and it really bothers me to see Americans and foreigners coming into this country and saying that they hate America. I think if you hated that much, you should just leave — there is no need for you to be here."
Ramsingh also addressed common criticisms that former President Donald Trump is anti-immigrant. He clarified his view, stating, "He’s not anti-immigrant. Republicans are not anti-immigrant — we just want them to go through the process of doing it legally; coming in legally." He characterized the situation at the border during the Biden administration as an "invasion" rather than simply immigration.
Acknowledging the difficult stories of deportations, Ramsingh attributed these situations to years of lax enforcement. He asserted that while he understands the reasons people seek to immigrate to America, having witnessed conditions in third-world countries through his missionary work, he believes that "Donald Trump and our government doesn't owe immigrants anything. We have the privilege of being here. It's a privilege. It's not a right."