Google searches for “Usha Vance religion” and “Usha Vance citizenship” have surged following her rise to prominence as the first Indian-American Second Lady of the United States. Usha Vance stole the spotlight during the January 20, 2025, inauguration, standing confidently alongside her husband, Vice President JD Vance. Public fascination with her Hindu faith, her role as a mother and accomplished attorney, and her influence on JD Vance has only grown since the ceremony.

How Usha Vance Shaped JD Vance’s Journey

Usha and JD Vance met at Yale Law School in the early 2010s, where their shared intellectual curiosity brought them together. They married in 2014, and their partnership has profoundly shaped JD’s personal and spiritual journey.
JD Vance, who was raised Christian in a working-class Rust Belt community, has often credited Usha with expanding his perspective. Her Hindu faith and upbringing have introduced him to new ways of thinking about morality, discipline, and family values. Despite their differing religious beliefs—JD is a baptized Catholic while Usha remains a devout Hindu—she regularly accompanies him to church, a testament to their mutual respect and the strength of their relationship.

Usha Vance’s Citizenship and Trump’s Executive Order

Speculation about Usha Vance’s citizenship status arose following Donald Trump’s executive order limiting birthright citizenship for children of non-citizen parents. The order, which applies only to individuals born after its enactment, does not impact Usha, who was born in San Diego in the 1980s. Her citizenship is secure under the 14th Amendment.
Usha’s parents, Krish and Lakshmi Chilukuri, immigrated to the US from India in the 1980s. Her father is an aerospace engineer, and her mother is a biologist and university administrator. While the exact timeline of their naturalization is unclear, Usha’s status as a natural-born citizen is not in question.

Trump’s Executive Order and Its Impact on the Indian Diaspora

The new executive order has sent shockwaves through immigrant communities, particularly the Indian-American diaspora. It targets children born to temporary visa holders—such as those on H-1B, H-4, and F-1 visas—who may no longer gain automatic citizenship unless one parent is a green card holder or US citizen.
This policy change affects families already burdened by decades-long green card backlogs. Without birthright citizenship, these children face uncertain futures, including potential self-deportation or visa challenges upon turning 21. Critics argue that the order violates the 14th Amendment and have filed lawsuits challenging its constitutionality. Legal experts predict the issue will ultimately reach the Supreme Court.

A Historic Role in a Changing America

As the first Hindu and Indian-American Second Lady, Usha Vance symbolizes a new chapter in American leadership. Her poise during the inauguration and her role as a trailblazing figure have inspired many. Despite the controversies surrounding her religion and citizenship, Usha’s accomplishments as a lawyer, mother, and partner to JD Vance highlight her resilience and influence.
Her historic position serves as a reminder of the growing diversity in US politics and the evolving narrative of the American Dream.