USCIRF raises concerns about exclusionary nature of India’s CAA during Congressional hearing

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has expressed concern over the Indian government’s implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Rules (CAR) to enact the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).

The CAA imposes a religious criterion for asylum seekers, offering expedited citizenship for certain religious groups while explicitly excluding Muslims.

USCIRF Commissioner Stephen Schneck called on members of Congress to raise concerns about religious freedom issues in India.

“If the intent of the law were genuinely to protect persecuted religious minorities, it would encompass Rohingya Muslims from Burma, Ahmadiyya Muslims from Pakistan, or Hazara Shi’a from Afghanistan, among others,” he added.

The CAA, initially passed in 2019, faced delayed implementation due to widespread protests and resulted in a severe crackdown by Indian authorities.