Shri Thanedar Targeted Online After Birthright Citizenship Remarks
U.S. Representative Shri Thanedar faced a wave of online hate after he commented on a Supreme Court case about birthright citizenship. He was flooded with cruel messages and baseless accusations, including false claims about his first wife’s death.
Understanding Birthright Citizenship
Birthright citizenship guarantees that anyone born in the United States automatically becomes a citizen, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. This comes from the 14th Amendment. President Donald Trump wants to end this policy, and the Supreme Court is currently hearing arguments about it.
Thanedar, who immigrated to the U.S. himself, said the issue feels personal. He stated that the 14th Amendment is clear and that the President cannot change the Constitution.
The Online Trolling Incident
After Thanedar shared his view, social media users attacked him with vicious lies. One troll claimed he married his first wife to get a green card and that he drove her to suicide. Others made up stories about him running a biolab in New Jersey and harming animals.
These accusations are completely false and have no evidence. The trolls even called for Thanedar to be deported, mixing his personal life with the political debate.
The Truth About Shamal Thanedar
Shri Thanedar’s first wife was Dr. Shamal Thanedar, a neurologist from India. She died by suicide in 1996 at age 37, overdosing on antidepressants in St. Louis. Their two sons were four and eight years old at the time.
Thanedar has openly shared that his wife struggled with depression in secret, and her death left him traumatized. In 2024, he created a short film titled “Dear Pra” to address her suicide and raise mental health awareness.
Thanedar’s Immigration Journey
Shri Thanedar came to the U.S. on a student visa. He married Shamal in 1984 and became a naturalized citizen in 1988. After her passing, he married his current wife, Shashi, in 1999.
It’s key to note that Shamal was also an immigrant, and there is no proof she was a naturalized citizen when they married. The online claims about her citizenship status are fabricated.
Lessons from the Troll Attack
This event shows how quickly false information can spread online, especially on heated topics like immigration. Thanedar’s experience reminds everyone to verify facts and avoid sharing unverified claims that hurt real people.
