“India is No Dharamshala” – Amit Shah Defends Tougher Immigration Laws

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Immigration and Foreigners Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while responding to the discussion on the bill, emphasized that minority groups in India are the safest and that the government has always provided protection to refugees. Amit Shah highlighted that immigration is closely linked to national security, making it crucial to monitor those entering the country's borders. He stated, "Immigration is not an isolated issue; it is connected to several national concerns. From a security perspective, it is vital to know who is entering our country. We will also keep a strict watch on those who pose a threat to national security. The ‘Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025’ is a legislative proposal that will simplify, regulate, and secure our system.”

Shah underscored India's historical role in sheltering persecuted communities, saying, "India is a geo-cultural nation, not just a geopolitical one. Persians came to India and remain safe here today. The world’s smallest minority community is safe only in India. Jews fled from Israel and found refuge here. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, persecuted communities from six neighboring countries are finding shelter in India through the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).”

Highlighting the importance of the bill, Amit Shah stated that the government welcomes migrants who contribute to India’s growth. He added, "We welcome those who come for education, business, or research. PM Modi’s goal is to make India a developed nation by 2047, which is why we have scrapped many outdated laws."

However, he also warned about the increasing number of people entering the country with selfish motives rather than seeking genuine asylum. "Those who contribute to the economy and development of India will always be welcomed. But whether it's Rohingyas or Bangladeshis, if they have come here to disturb peace, strict action will be taken. That’s why this bill requires both flexibility and firmness." Shah further elaborated, "With the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, we will establish a detailed system to track every foreigner entering the country. This will help us monitor those coming for business and development while keeping an eye on individuals who could be a security threat."

Connecting immigration with national security, he reiterated, "This is not an isolated issue but is linked to multiple concerns. We must be extremely vigilant about who is entering our country. Those who threaten national security will be strictly monitored."

Shah also spoke about India’s growing global economic status and how it affects immigration. "Over the past 10 years, India has become the fifth-largest economy and a key player in the global market. As India emerges as a manufacturing hub, it is natural that more people from around the world will come here. However, the number of those seeking asylum for personal gain or creating instability has also increased."

He asserted that national security will not be compromised, declaring, "Those who pose a threat to our security will not be allowed to enter. India is not a dharamshala (charitable shelter). If someone comes to contribute to the country’s development, they will always be welcomed.”