Kris Ramsingh, a Trinidadian immigrant and Virginia business owner, criticizes birth tourism as a disservice to those who immigrate legally, reflecting on his own journey to citizenship.
Kris Ramsingh, a legal immigrant from Trinidad, has voiced strong opinions about birth tourism and illegal immigration, describing them as a “slap in the face” to individuals who have followed the legal path to American citizenship. Ramsingh, who moved to the United States in 2006 and became a citizen in 2015, shared his thoughts in an interview with Fox News Digital, emphasizing the challenges faced by those who adhere to immigration laws.
Ramsingh’s experience has shaped his support for President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. He expressed frustration at the sight of individuals crossing the border for the purpose of giving birth or accessing free healthcare and education. “It’s really a slap in the face to the people who have worked really hard to come into this country the legal way,” he stated.
Unlike those who enter the country illegally, Ramsingh had to meet a series of federal immigration requirements before obtaining his citizenship. He was required to provide proof of vaccinations, personal documentation, undergo a criminal background check, and demonstrate financial stability to ensure he would not become a burden on the state.
<p”America doesn’t owe us anything,” Ramsingh remarked, referring to himself and other legal immigrants. “Our government here doesn’t owe us anything. We have the privilege of coming into this country, whether it’s a holiday visa or for school.”
Ramsingh’s journey to the United States is particularly poignant, as he and his wife arrived in 2006 with only $300 and a few suitcases. He has since established himself in Roanoke, Virginia, where he runs Dominion Custom Upholstery, a business he founded 13 years ago. He has also launched another company focused on boatworks and interior repairs.
As the Fourth of July approaches, Ramsingh reflects on the significance of the American flag and his pride in being an American. He recalls a traumatic experience in Trinidad in 1990 when Muslim insurgents staged a coup, leading to the shooting of Prime Minister ANR Robinson. He vividly remembers the arrival of American soldiers, which brought a sense of safety and security to him and his fellow citizens. “When we saw the red, white, and blue [of American] soldiers coming into the country, we knew we were safe,” he said.
This experience has deepened Ramsingh’s appreciation for the United States and its role in global affairs. He has also founded Dominion Project International, a missionary organization that provides potable water and medical supplies to communities in need across India, Africa, and the Caribbean.
“The American Dream is that you can try something — you can work hard and try, and if it doesn’t work out, you can pick up and try again,” he said, emphasizing the opportunities available in the U.S.
Ramsingh expressed a profound sense of belonging whenever he returns to the United States after his missionary trips. “There’s a sense of ‘I’m back on U.S. soil; I’m home,’” he shared, noting that this feeling is particularly strong whether he lands in Washington, D.C., Miami, or New York.
He also voiced his concerns about the negative sentiments expressed by some individuals towards America. “It really bothers me to see Americans and foreigners coming into this country and saying that they hate America,” he said. “I think if you hated that much, you should just leave — there is no need for you to be here.”
When asked about the perception that Trump is anti-immigrant, Ramsingh disagreed, asserting that the former president and the Republican Party are not opposed to immigration but rather advocate for legal processes. “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 explained.
Ramsingh criticized the Biden administration’s approach to immigration, describing it as an “invasion” due to the influx of individuals crossing the border. He acknowledged that while some deportation stories are difficult to witness, they are a consequence of years of lax enforcement of immigration laws.
Having come from a third-world country, Ramsingh understands the motivations behind immigration. “I see how these people live. I understand why they want to come to America. I understand the ‘why’,” he said. He reiterated that Trump is not against immigration but wants to ensure it is conducted properly. “Again, Donald Trump and our government don’t owe immigrants anything. We have the privilege of being here. It’s a privilege. It’s not a right,” he concluded.
Ramsingh’s story highlights the complexities of immigration and the diverse perspectives held by those who have navigated the legal process to achieve their American Dream.
According to Fox News Digital, Ramsingh’s journey and views reflect a broader conversation about immigration policies and the experiences of legal immigrants in the United States.