Mary Millben Commends India’s Citizenship Act by Highlighting its Global Significance

African-American actress and singer Mary Millben voiced her endorsement of India’s recent enactment of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on Monday, emphasizing it as a step towards peace and a manifestation of genuine democracy. In a formal statement shared on X, Millben, a devout Christian and advocate for religious freedom, lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.

“As a Christian, woman of faith, and global advocate for religious freedom, I commend the Modi-led government for implementing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which now extends Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants, including Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and Parsis from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan,” she remarked.

Expressing her appreciation to PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Indian government for their compassionate leadership and unwavering dedication to preserving religious freedom, Millben stated, “Thank you, PM @narendramodi @AmitShah and the Indian Government for your compassionate leadership and, most importantly for upholding religious freedom in welcoming those persecuted.”

Mary Millben’s statement underscores the global significance of India’s recent legislative measures, highlighting the country’s stance on religious freedom and its commitment to providing sanctuary to those in distress. The Union Home Ministry officially released guidelines for implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on Monday, preceding the announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule.

Home Minister Amit Shah has reiterated on multiple occasions that CAA rules would be published before the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April and May. Enacted by the Narendra Modi government and ratified by Parliament in 2019, the CAA aims to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians, who fled Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India prior to December 31, 2014.

Following the passage of the CAA by Parliament in December 2019 and subsequent presidential approval, widespread protests erupted across the nation. According to an official, the CAA can be enforced through notifications issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, facilitating eligible individuals to acquire Indian citizenship.

The long-awaited implementation of the CAA necessitates the formulation of associated regulations. “The guidelines are prepared, and an online platform is already operational for the entire process, which will be conducted digitally. Applicants will only need to disclose the year of their entry into India without requiring any travel documents,” the official clarified.

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