Washington, The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has voiced concerns over India’s implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), a move that has been perceived as discriminatory against Muslims by the independent bipartisan federal government commission.

According to Kashmir Media Service, USCIRF Commissioner Stephen Schneck described the CAA as “problematic,” criticizing its religious criteria for asylum seekers and its exclusion of Muslims from the list of religious minorities from neighboring countries eligible for expedited citizenship in India. He highlighted the inconsistency of the act with the principles of protecting religiously persecuted groups by pointing out its omission of groups like Rohingya Muslims from Burma, who are also facing severe persecution.

The USCIRF has called on the US Congress to remain vocal about religious freedom concerns in India, suggesting that these issues should be integral to discussions with Indian government counterparts and during congressional delegations. The commission’s stance aligns with widespread international criticism following the CAA’s passage in 2019, which sparked protests and allegations of a harsh crackdown on dissent in India.

The CAA’s enactment in 2019 and the recent notification of its rules have reignited debate and concern among human rights advocates. Organizations like Amnesty International have called for the repeal of the law, claiming it creates a religious litmus test for citizenship and risks the disenfranchisement of millions of Indian Muslims.