News for 'Immigration and Citizenship'

Centre notifies changes to Citizenship Rules, 2009

Centre notifies changes to Citizenship Rules, 2009

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Union Home Ministry has announced changes to the Citizenship Rules, 2009, introducing a digital shift for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and citizenship applications, including online applications and renunciation processes.

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

Rediff.com2 days ago

The NDA government has gradually nuanced its position on the issue of demographic challenge.

India raises visa concerns with US over immigration policy changes

India raises visa concerns with US over immigration policy changes

Rediff.com24 May 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised India's concerns with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding changes to US visa and immigration policies, emphasising that legal mobility should not be negatively affected. Rubio acknowledged potential 'bumps' during the transition as the US aims to improve its immigration system.

Modi vows to expedite citizenship for Matua, Namasudra refugees if BJP wins Bengal

Modi vows to expedite citizenship for Matua, Namasudra refugees if BJP wins Bengal

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Katwa, West Bengal, promising to expedite the process of granting citizenship to Matua and Namasudra refugee families if the BJP comes to power. He also criticised illegal immigration and the Trinamool Congress government.

US makes U-turn on 'return to home country' order for green cards

US makes U-turn on 'return to home country' order for green cards

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The US Department of Homeland Security has clarified that not all immigrants seeking green cards will be required to return to their home country to make such applications, partially walking back a previous announcement.

Govt revises visa rules for foreigners staying beyond 180 days

Govt revises visa rules for foreigners staying beyond 180 days

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Union home ministry has updated the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, requiring foreigners staying in India beyond 180 days to register before their visa expires. The new rules also offer relief to children born to foreign parents and revise reporting requirements for medical institutions.

US tightens Green Card rules, visa holders must apply from home countries

US tightens Green Card rules, visa holders must apply from home countries

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The US government on Friday issued a new policy memo tightening rules for foreign nationals on temporary visas seeking permanent residency, stating that persons wanting a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in "extraordinary circumstances".

West Bengal Enhances Border Security, Targets Infiltrators

West Bengal Enhances Border Security, Targets Infiltrators

Rediff.com20 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a new border security initiative, including land transfer to the BSF and a 'detect, delete and deport' policy targeting infiltrators.

Bengal to build 'holding centres' for illegal foreigners

Bengal to build 'holding centres' for illegal foreigners

Rediff.com25 May 2026

West Bengal's Bharatiya Janata Party government has moved to institutionalise its "detect, delete and deport" policy by directing all district administrations to set up "holding centres" for suspected illegal foreigners and foreign prisoners awaiting repatriation -- a step that appeared to give administrative shape to one of the party's most potent political themes in the state.

Indian-Origin Man In US Faces Denaturalisation Over Fraud

Indian-Origin Man In US Faces Denaturalisation Over Fraud

Rediff.com9 May 2026

A 62-year-old Indian-origin man, now a US citizen, faces denaturalisation proceedings for allegedly defrauding investors of USD 2.5 million and concealing this from US authorities.

Some naturalised Americans likely to lose citizenship

Some naturalised Americans likely to lose citizenship

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

The Trump administration is looking at plans to strip some naturalised Americans of their citizenship, the latest in a series of efforts undertaken by President Donald Trump to crack down on immigration.

Indian Techies Face Green Card Uncertainty

Indian Techies Face Green Card Uncertainty

Rediff.com25 May 2026

This could come as a setback to thousands of Indian engineers who have waited for years for their work visas to pave the way for the coveted Green Card.

Uninformed, in poor taste: India on Trump's 'hellhole' remark

Uninformed, in poor taste: India on Trump's 'hellhole' remark

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

India has criticised US President Donald Trump's social media repost referring to India and other countries as 'hellholes' in the context of immigration, deeming the remarks 'uninformed' and 'inappropriate'.

10 Foreign Nationals Held For Illegal Voting In Tamil Nadu Polls

10 Foreign Nationals Held For Illegal Voting In Tamil Nadu Polls

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Chennai police arrested 10 foreign nationals for allegedly casting illegal votes in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections using fraudulent documents.

'China, India or other hellhole': Trump reposts anti-India rant

'China, India or other hellhole': Trump reposts anti-India rant

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Donald Trump has amplified a critique of birthright citizenship by sharing a video of Michael Savage, who claimed the legal system allows immigrants to exploit American laws.

Why Bengal Will Now Hand Over Infiltrators To BSF

Why Bengal Will Now Hand Over Infiltrators To BSF

Rediff.com21 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that Bangladeshi infiltrators detained in the state will be handed over to the BSF instead of being produced in courts, following a new rule. Instructions have been issued to the police and RPF to directly transfer detainees to the BSF at the Bangladesh border, with weekly reports submitted to the CMO.

10 Foreign Nationals Arrested For Illegal Voting In Tamil Nadu Polls

10 Foreign Nationals Arrested For Illegal Voting In Tamil Nadu Polls

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Chennai police arrested ten foreign nationals, including four women, for allegedly casting illegal votes in the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly elections using fraudulent identity documents.

West Bengal To Boost Border Security With Land Transfer To BSF

West Bengal To Boost Border Security With Land Transfer To BSF

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The West Bengal government will hand over land to the Border Security Force for international boundary fencing and security infrastructure, starting with a 27 km stretch. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said more land would be provided wherever required to strengthen border management in the state.

Modi Predicts BJP Government In West Bengal After Polls

Modi Predicts BJP Government In West Bengal After Polls

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that the BJP would form the next government in West Bengal after the assembly polls, asserting that he would return to the state for the oath-taking ceremony after results are announced on May 4.

My Indian father-in-law never asked me to...: JD Vance

My Indian father-in-law never asked me to...: JD Vance

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

US Vice President JD Vance has stated that immigrants who become US citizens should prioritise the interests of the United States above their country of origin. He emphasised the importance of allegiance to the US for the effective functioning of the American system.

Hand over Bangladeshi infiltrators to BSF, not courts, Suvendu tells police

Hand over Bangladeshi infiltrators to BSF, not courts, Suvendu tells police

Rediff.com21 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that Bangladeshi infiltrators detained in the state will be directly handed over to the BSF for deportation, bypassing court appearances, following a new rule.

'Racist trash': Trump slammed for 'hellhole' remark targeting India

'Racist trash': Trump slammed for 'hellhole' remark targeting India

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Democrat leaders have criticised US President Donald Trump for referring to India and other countries as 'hellholes', accusing him of amplifying 'racist trash' on social media.

When US Presidents Abused India And/Or Indians!

When US Presidents Abused India And/Or Indians!

Rediff.com1 May 2026

If Trump doesn't like India, that is his choice. But to use such distasteful language on a public platform is deeply offensive and needs to be called out, points out Amberish K Diwanji.

Canada acts against Tahawwur Rana before Carney's India visit

Canada acts against Tahawwur Rana before Carney's India visit

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

The Canadian government is seeking to revoke the citizenship of Tahawwur Rana Hussain, a Pakistan-born businessman accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, due to misrepresentation on his citizenship application.

Assam Pushed Back 780 Illegal Immigrants Since 2024

Assam Pushed Back 780 Illegal Immigrants Since 2024

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

'The emphasis is on execution, not identification.'

Woman from Bangladesh Held in Rishikesh Over Fake ID

Woman from Bangladesh Held in Rishikesh Over Fake ID

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

A 24-year-old woman of Bangladeshi origin was arrested in Rishikesh for allegedly living in India with forged documents. Police seized a fake Aadhaar card and other documents.

Yogi orders to set up detention centres for illegal immigrants

Yogi orders to set up detention centres for illegal immigrants

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

Yogi He stated that law and order, national security, and social harmony are top priorities, and that any form of illegal activity will not be tolerated, it added.

B'deshi woman among 2 more get citizenship under CAA in Assam

B'deshi woman among 2 more get citizenship under CAA in Assam

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

Two individuals, including a woman, have been granted Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Assam, bringing the total number of recipients in the state to four. This marks the first instance of a woman receiving citizenship under the Act in Assam.

Modi Slams TMC for Allegedly Protecting Infiltrators to Preserve Vote Bank

Modi Slams TMC for Allegedly Protecting Infiltrators to Preserve Vote Bank

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the TMC of opposing the SIR exercise to protect its vote bank of infiltrators, alleging that unchecked illegal immigration under its rule in West Bengal has altered the demography of many areas.

British Nationals Sentenced for Illegal Entry into India from Nepal

British Nationals Sentenced for Illegal Entry into India from Nepal

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Two British nationals have been sentenced to six months' imprisonment by an Indian court for illegally entering India from Nepal. The individuals, Hassan Amman Saleem and Sumitra Shakeel Olivia, were arrested in November last year for entering without valid documents.

OCI card to cost $275 as govt announces fresh fee structure

OCI card to cost $275 as govt announces fresh fee structure

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Indian government has revised the application fee for the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card and introduced changes to the application process, including abolishing the six-month continuous stay requirement.

Woman held in Haridwar for living illegally in India with fake documents

Woman held in Haridwar for living illegally in India with fake documents

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Police in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, have arrested a Bangladeshi woman for allegedly residing illegally in India using counterfeit documents. An Indian man has also been detained for providing her with shelter and assisting her in obtaining the fake documents.

Amit Shah Promises Jobs, End To Infiltration In Bengal

Amit Shah Promises Jobs, End To Infiltration In Bengal

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed poll rallies in West Bengal, promising jobs for youths and an 'infiltrator-free' state if the BJP wins the assembly elections. He also pledged to restore industrial glory, end syndicate raj, and ensure women's safety.

What BJP's Historic Bengal Win Means For India

What BJP's Historic Bengal Win Means For India

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Hopefully, the BJP will realise that it's the right time for parivartan (change) in its polarising poll strategies after achieving the impossible-looking goal of winning West Bengal, argues Sheela Bhatt.

SC upholds law granting citizenship to Assam immigrants

SC upholds law granting citizenship to Assam immigrants

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act related to the grant of Indian citizenship to illegal immigrants in Assam by a majority verdict of 4:1.

Assam Elections: Can AGP Retain Its Identity In Assam's Changing Politics?

Assam Elections: Can AGP Retain Its Identity In Assam's Changing Politics?

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

In its list of 26 candidates for Thursday's assembly elections, 13 are from the Bengali-speaking Muslim community -- a demographic that was at the centre of the original Assam agitation.

Banerjee Accuses Modi of Being 'Biggest Infiltrator' Amid Voter Roll Row

Banerjee Accuses Modi of Being 'Biggest Infiltrator' Amid Voter Roll Row

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of attempting to suppress voting rights through voter roll revisions, describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the 'biggest infiltrator'. She framed the upcoming assembly elections as a fight for democratic rights and Bengal's social harmony.

UCC, 'Ram Rajya': Shah sharpens BJP's Bengal poll pitch

UCC, 'Ram Rajya': Shah sharpens BJP's Bengal poll pitch

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the BJP's manifesto for West Bengal, promising a Uniform Civil Code, a Bengali chief minister, and improved governance.

Indians' Share In US Naturalisation Hits 9-Year Low

Indians' Share In US Naturalisation Hits 9-Year Low

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

As the Trump administration pushes denaturalisation targets, US citizenship trends show a decline in Indian naturalisations and longer scrutiny of immigrants.

'Modi biggest infiltrator': Mamata at Eid congregation

'Modi biggest infiltrator': Mamata at Eid congregation

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of attempting to suppress voting rights through voter roll revisions, describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the 'biggest infiltrator'.