According to a statement made today by the US, India’s Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which aims to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted migrants from neighboring countries, is being closely watched.
“Controversy Surrounding India’s Citizenship Amendment Act Draws International Attention”
US Will Closely Watch India's New Citizenship Law CAA's Implementation #India #US #CAA #CitizenshipLaw #CAAImplementation #PowerCorridorss pic.twitter.com/ktolbWnImF
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The purpose of the Act is to facilitate the naturalization process for undocumented non-Muslim immigrants from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The government has come under fire for excluding Muslims from the Act, but Home Minister Amit Shah has stated that the purpose of the CAA is to protect minorities in nations where they are subject to religious persecution. According to him, Muslims from these nations are also free to apply for Indian citizenship in accordance with current legislation.
When asked if they were concerned that the CAA might have an impact on religious freedom, the US responded that they would be watching closely to see how India carries it out.
“We express concern regarding the March 11 notification of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. At his daily briefing, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller informed reporters, “We are closely monitoring this Act – how this Act will be implemented.”
“Implementation of Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019 Begins Amid Reassurances and Controversy”
“Respect for religious freedom and equal treatment under the law for all communities are fundamental democratic principles,” he stated.
The Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019 was put into effect by the Center on Monday, cutting the qualifying period for eligible migrants who arrived in India before December 31, 2014, from 11 to 5 years.
Additionally, the government released a press release assuring Indian Muslims that they should not be concerned about the CAA because it has no bearing on their citizenship and has nothing to do with the community, which has the same rights as Hindus.
According to the government, the CAA is about granting citizenship, and no citizen of the nation will lose it.
