Union Home Minister Amit Shah on border demographic changes has sparked a major debate. Speaking to district magistrates in New Delhi, Amit Shah warned that shifting populations in border areas could threaten India’s national security. He suggested these changes might even be part of a “deliberate design.” As a response, he asked officials to remove all illegal encroachments within 30 kilometers of the borders.
Illegal immigration is not new or unique to India. Countries around the world, including the United States and nations in Europe, face similar problems. In the U.S., migration shaped politics and even influenced Donald Trump’s rise. Europe, too, has struggled with unrest due to illegal migration from Africa and the Middle East.
India’s case is more complex. Its long, porous borders make strict control difficult. The India-Bangladesh border has seen large migration flows for decades, driven by poverty and political pressures. This has affected states like Assam, West Bengal, and Tripura.
While many immigrants are Muslims, reducing the issue only to religion is harmful. Policymakers must balance security with social harmony. Strong vigilance is essential, but the focus must remain on legality, sovereignty, and national security—not on communal fault lines.
