LI Network
Published on: March 15, 2024 at 11:12 IST
The United States voiced its apprehension on Thursday regarding the notification of India’s Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), emphasizing its close observation of the act’s implementation.
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, addressing reporters during his daily briefing, stated, “We are concerned about the notification of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on March 11. We are closely monitoring how this act will be implemented. Respect for religious freedom and equal treatment under the law for all communities are fundamental democratic principles.”
India’s government enacted the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019 on Monday, facilitating the potential citizenship acquisition for undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.
In response to concerns, the Indian government assured that Indian Muslims need not fret over the CAA, asserting that it would not affect their citizenship status. The government further clarified that the act does not discriminate against any community and upholds equal rights for all citizens, irrespective of religion.
Emphasizing its stance, the Indian government reiterated that the CAA primarily focuses on granting citizenship and ensures that no citizen of the country will face citizenship loss due to its implementation.
The U.S. stance underscores the importance of religious freedom and equal treatment for all communities, highlighting the delicate balance between immigration policies and democratic principles.
The evolving situation surrounding the CAA’s implementation in India continues to draw international attention, with diplomatic scrutiny likely to persist as developments unfold.