Modi Government’s Budget Session to Address Immigration and Foreigners Bill: Echoes of Trump’s Policies?

Budget Session: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has earmarked at least 16 bills for discussion in the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament, which kicks off on January 31.

While several key bills, such as the Finance Bill and the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, are expected, considerable attention will be directed towards the ‘Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025’, which is also part of the agenda for the session.

This ‘Immigration and Foreigners Bill’ is one of the three new proposed bills to be considered by the Modi administration during this session. The other two are the ‘Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill’ and the ’Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill,’ according to a report by the PTI news agency. Additionally, at least ten other bills that have been pending from the previous session will be presented during this session.

The Budget session will start on Friday with the President’s address to both Houses of Parliament. The Union Budget will also be presented on the same day. The first phase of the session will wrap up on February 13, while the second phase will run from March 10 to April 4.

Union Finance Minister will unveil the Union Budget 2025 at 11 am on February 1.

‘Immigration and Foreigners Bill’ – Modi’s potential game-changer

Though specific details about the ‘Immigration and Foreigners Bill’ are still awaited, it is perceived as a strategic attempt by the government to regulate the influx of immigrants into India. Some sources indicate that the bill may serve as a foundational framework to unify existing laws, which currently include the Passport Entry into India Act of 1920 and the Registration of Foreigners Act of 1939.

Parliament can take up the Bill only after it receives approval from the Union Cabinet, which has not yet approved the draft.

The Modi administration is aiming for a comprehensive legislative approach to tackle immigration issues, particularly those concerning Bangladeshis and Rohingyas. The question of ‘illegal’ Bangladeshi immigrants has been a contentious issue for the BJP in eastern states like West Bengal and Jharkhand, both of which are governed by non-BJP parties.

Furthermore, in Delhi, where elections are imminent next month, the BJP has accused the ruling AAP government of allowing ‘illegal immigrants’ to establish themselves in the national capital.

In the vein of Donald Trump?

The Modi government’s initiative comes shortly after the inauguration of a new administration that has initiated a crackdown on illegal immigration, including signing an executive order to abolish birthright citizenship and implementing the Laken Riley Act, marking a new phase of enforcement against illegal immigrants.

Below is a compilation of bills slated for the Budget Session 2025

1. The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024

2. The

3. The Musalman Waqf (Repeal) Bill, 2024

4. The Bills of Lading Bill, 2024

5. The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024

6. The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024

7. The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024

8. The

9. The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024.

10. The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024

11. The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024

12. The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2004

13. The Finance Bill, 2025

14. The Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025

15. The Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill, 2025

16. The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025