The Lok Sabha passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, on Thursday, March 27, after a discussion on the proposed law aimed at modernizing and consolidating India’s immigration laws. Junior Home Minister Nityanand Rai introduced the bill on behalf of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

During the conclusion of the three-hour-long debate, Shah stated that India welcomes individuals who come to contribute to the country’s development. However, he made it clear that those who come to create trouble, including Rohingyas and Bangladeshis, will face strict action.

“Those who pose a threat to national security will not be allowed to enter the nation. The nation is not a ‘Dharamshala.’ If someone comes to the nation to contribute to its development, they are always welcome,” Shah said in Parliament.

He added, “Whether they are Bangladeshi infiltrators or Rohingyas, they used to enter India through Assam when Congress was in power. Now they enter India through West Bengal, where the TMC is in power. Who issues them Aadhaar cards and citizenship? All the Bangladeshis who have been caught have Aadhaar cards from the 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. In 2026, the BJP government will be formed in West Bengal, and we will put an end to this.”

The proposed law grants the central government the authority to regulate areas “frequented by any foreigner” and gives it the power to order the closure of such premises, permit their use under specific conditions, or deny entry to all or certain categories of foreigners.

Currently, matters related to foreigners and immigration are governed by four separate laws: the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920; the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939; the Foreigners Act, 1946; and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000. The new bill seeks to repeal all these existing laws.