A spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, stated on March 15 that the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 is an internal issue of India that aligns with the country's inclusive values and long-standing dedication to human rights. Concerns raised by the United States regarding the Act's implementation prompted his response.
The statute provides a sanctuary to persecuted Christians, Parsis, Sikhs, Buddhists, and members of the Parsi faith from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan who entered India before December 31, 2014, according to Jaiswal, who was defending CAA. Importantly, the CAA is concerned with granting citizenship and not revoking it. Randhir Jaiswal advised against listening to lectures given by individuals with a superficial familiarity with the history of India's varied traditions and the region after partition.
According to Jaiswal, "the CAA addresses the issue of statelessness, provides human dignity and supports human rights," while arguing that the law is a domestic affair of India. He went on to say that the CAA, 2019 is in line with India's inclusive traditions and deeply held belief in human rights.
Additionally, Jaiswal responded with a somewhat harsh tone, stating that the US State Department's statement regarding the implementation of CAA, along with the remarks made by other others, are inappropriate, ill-informed, and unjustified. Every citizen of India is guaranteed the freedom of religion by the constitution. Additionally, Jaiswal stated that there is no justification for discrimination against minorities.
On March 14, the US State Department stated that they are keeping a close eye on the issue.
While briefing reporters on a daily basis, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed worry over the March 11 notification of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
The execution of this act is being watched with great interest. In answer to a query, Miller stated that fair treatment under the law for all communities and respect for religious freedom are basic democratic ideals.
Citizenship for non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh who arrived in India before December 31, 2014, can now be granted thanks to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, which was put into effect on Monday by the Union government.