Lok Sabha Passes Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025: Amit Shah’s Strong Message on National Security

On March 27, 2025, the Lok Sabha passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, aimed at overhauling India’s outdated immigration framework. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while introducing the bill, underscored its significance in safeguarding national security and preventing illegal immigration. He strongly stated that India is not a “Dharamshala” (charitable shelter) where anyone can enter and claim rights.

The bill seeks to modernize, consolidate, and strengthen immigration laws by repealing outdated acts and implementing strict measures to regulate the entry, stay, and exit of foreigners. With India increasingly becoming a global hub for business, tourism, and education, this legislation aims to strike a balance between economic openness and security concerns.

Key Provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025

Modernizing India’s Immigration System

The bill introduces comprehensive reforms to India’s immigration policies, ensuring better regulation and tracking of foreigners entering the country. Key provisions include:

• A Unified Legal Framework:
  • The bill repeals four outdated laws:
    • The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920
    • The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939
    • The Foreigners Act, 1946
    • The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000
  • These acts were outdated and ineffective in dealing with modern immigration challenges.

• Enhanced Monitoring and Registration:
  
  • The bill mandates strict digital tracking of all foreigners entering, staying, or leaving India.
  • Airlines, hotels, and landlords will have stricter reporting requirements regarding foreign nationals.
• Stronger Border Security & Deportation Rules:
  
  • The government will accelerate deportation of illegal immigrants.
  • Anyone found violating visa conditions will face immediate legal action and blacklisting.
• Streamlining Legal Immigration:
  
  • The bill eases entry for genuine tourists, businesspersons, students, and researchers, ensuring India remains an attractive global destination.

Amit Shah’s Statement: A Clear Stand on Immigration

During the Lok Sabha debate, Amit Shah made several bold and direct statements, reinforcing India’s firm stance on illegal immigration and national security.

“India is Not a Dharamshala”

• Shah emphasized that while India welcomes foreigners, it will not allow infiltrators to misuse its resources.
• He cited examples of Rohingya and Bangladeshi illegal immigrants who, according to him, are creating social and economic instability.
• “We will not allow India to become a safe haven for infiltrators,” he declared.

West Bengal Government Under Fire

• Shah criticized the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, accusing it of blocking border security measures.
• He revealed that 450 km of border fencing remains incomplete due to the state’s refusal to provide land.
• He accused the state of issuing ID documents to illegal immigrants for political gains.

Political Reactions and Opposition’s Concerns

Opposition’s Response

The Congress, TMC, and Left parties raised concerns over:

• Humanitarian Impact: Opposition leaders questioned whether the bill might affect genuine asylum seekers and persecuted minorities seeking refuge in India.
• Implementation Challenges: Some MPs argued that enforcing digital tracking of every foreign national might create logistical hurdles.

BJP’s Justification

• Ensuring National Security: BJP leaders defended the bill, stating that India must prioritize security over political correctness.
• Promoting Legal Immigration: The bill will make it easier for legitimate foreign visitors to enter India while cracking down on unauthorized stay.

Impact of the Bill: What It Means for India

Strengthened National Security

• Improved border control to prevent human trafficking and infiltration.
• Faster deportation processes for illegal immigrants.

Economic and Diplomatic Implications

• Boosts legitimate tourism, education, and business exchanges.
• Enhances India’s global reputation as a secure and law-abiding country.

Moving Forward: A Landmark Decision

The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 is a historic reform in India’s immigration policy, ensuring stricter security measures while allowing genuine visitors to thrive. As the bill moves to the Rajya Sabha, its implementation and enforcement will be closely monitored.

Will this bill strike the right balance between security and hospitality? Only time will tell.

By – Nikita