AAP MP Raises Concerns Over Immigration and Foreigners Bill
Click to start listening
Synopsis
AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang critiques the Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025 in Lok Sabha, urging a reassessment of its implications on NRIs and suggesting amendments and a review by the Joint Parliamentary Committee.
Key Takeaways
- AAP MP raises concerns about the Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025.
- Highlights the potential for increased harassment of NRIs.
- Calls for a reevaluation of police powers under the Bill.
- Emphasizes the need for amendments to protect foreign nationals.
- Requests referral of the Bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committee.
New Delhi, March 27 (NationPress) Aam Aadmi Party MP Malvinder Singh Kang expressed his apprehensions in Lok Sabha regarding the Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025, questioning the government's intent behind this legislation.
Kang urged the government to reevaluate the negative implications of the Bill and address the associated concerns. He emphasized that the Bill endows police and security forces with excessive authority.
“If even junior officials are empowered to act or investigate, the risk of harassment of NRIs will escalate,” he articulated.
He noted that nearly every family in Punjab has a member residing abroad, who often visits Harmandir Sahib and Anandpur Sahib due to their religious sentiments and strong ties to Punjab.
“This legislation, if enacted, could pose challenges for them,” he cautioned.
The AAP MP remarked that while examining the Bill, it becomes clear that although the government’s focus seems to be on national security, the underlying intent appears to be for political gain.
Thus, he called on the government to reconsider the Bill and implement necessary amendments.
He further indicated that the way this Bill empowers law enforcement and other security agencies needs careful reassessment.
“Many foreign nationals, who are genuine citizens of other countries, visit India for medical treatment, education, tourism, and religious purposes. Granting excessive power to the police may create complications for them, as numerous incidents have already surfaced. Therefore, it is crucial to take this matter seriously,” he added.
He recalled the 2020-21 farmer protests when Punjabis globally supported farmers advocating for their rights, which bolstered the movement.
“During that period, the government intentionally deported certain individuals. Similarly, recently, the US deported hundreds of people. They were not criminals; most were students or individuals striving for a better life, many from Haryana, Punjab, and primarily Gujarat,” he noted.
However, he criticized the manner in which they were apprehended, handcuffed, shackled, and returned on a flight, stating it brought shame to the nation and mocked our reputation globally.
“Such incidents must not be repeated,” he insisted.
The AAP MP additionally appealed to the government to refer the Bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for a comprehensive examination of all its facets.
