Archive · 29 Sep 2025
Assam's New Law Gives Migrants 10 Days to Prove Citizenship
Assam has a new rule about people they think are in the country illegally.
If someone is suspected of being an illegal immigrant, they now have only 10 days to show they are citizens.
If they can't prove it, they will be kicked out of the country within a day.
Some people think this is unfair because it doesn't give people enough time to gather proof and avoids normal court processes.
This law, from 1950, was made to deal with people coming from East Pakistan and now is being used again.
Assam will give suspected illegal immigrants 10 days to prove citizenship.
Those who fail to prove citizenship will be expelled within 24 hours.
The state government approved a new 'standard operating procedure' (SOP).
Critics argue it bypasses legal recourse and the Foreigners Tribunals.
The law is a revival of the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950.
- Who
- Suspected illegal migrants in Assam
- What
- Given 10 days to prove citizenship or face expulsion
- When
- Recently, approved on September 9
- Where
- Assam
- Why
- To address concerns over illegal immigration
Critics of the Law
Government Stance
Due Process
Critics of the Law
The new procedure lacks sufficient due process, potentially leading to wrongful deportations.
Government Stance
The government aims to prevent illegal immigration through swift action.
Targeting of specific communities
Critics of the Law
The law unfairly targets Bengali Muslims, as it has been observed that action has been accelerated against them.
Government Stance
Not explicitly mentioned
Validity
Critics of the Law
The new SOP is inconsistent with the existing deportation laws, potentially making it invalid.
Government Stance
The Assam cabinet's decision is to enforce a law from the 1950s
- Law
- Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950
- Action
- Suspected illegal migrants given 10 days to prove citizenship
- Consequence
- Expulsion within 24 hours if citizenship is not proven
- Government
- Assam cabinet approved the new SOP
- Critics' Concerns
- Lack of legal recourse and bypassing of tribunals
