The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has raised concerns regarding the notification of rules to implement India’s Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), highlighting the exclusion of Muslims from the law. USCIRF Commissioner Stephen Schneck emphasized that the CAA establishes a religious requirement for asylum seekers, granting fast-track citizenship to non-Muslim migrants while explicitly excluding Muslims. Despite criticism, India has defended the law, asserting that it addresses statelessness and supports human rights.
Mr. Schneck stressed that true protection of persecuted minorities should include Muslims such as Rohingya Muslims from Burma and Ahmadiyya Muslims from Pakistan. India’s Home Ministry maintains that Muslims from eligible countries can apply for citizenship under existing laws. Meanwhile, USCIRF Commissioner David Curry urged continued scrutiny of religious freedom issues in India by U.S. Congress members, emphasizing the importance of equal treatment for all communities. India has rejected USCIRF’s comments, asserting that they misrepresent facts and discredit the commission itself, while emphasizing the CAA’s aim to grant citizenship to persecuted religious minorities.