Global Policy Forum

By Prashanth Lakhihal

Americans of Indian origin reacted with mixed feelings to New Delhi's grant of dual citizenship, saying it does not extend any more privileges to NRIs [NonResident Indians] than already available but it may help emotional ties with the motherland.

G. Atmacharan Reddy, the only NRI who was a Parliament member, was somewhat disappointed that the Indian government has decided not to give political rights to NRIs.

"Dual citizenship is a step in the right direction but it is not much. Without the fundamental right to vote, it is only namesake," said Reddy who had introduced a bill in Parliament in 1998 to permit dual citizenship to NRIs.

Shreveport, LA-based Reddy who is mulling to contest the 2005 Lok Sabha elections said the NRIs have been denied the fundamental right of speech as the right to vote is its critical part.

The NRIs would have little choice but to abide by what people of India decide in elections. They will remain a participant but never an initiator in India's economic development, added Reddy, a green card holder, in a telephone interview with India Tribune.

However, D.R. Desai, emeritus professor of history at the University of California at Los Angeles, enthusiastically welcomed the announcement. "You cannot cut the umbilical cord with your mother country and dual citizenship grants you that," he said stressing on the emotional help the dual citizenship gives.

Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on Jan. 9 announced that India would accord dual citizenship to people of Indian origin (PIO) from certain countries. A legislation to facilitate this would be introduced during the budget session of Parliament beginning next month, he said.

"We are now working on the administrative regulations and procedures governing dual citizenship," Vajpayee said inaugurating the first Pravasai Bhartiya Divas in the Capital, jointly organized by the government and Federation of Indian Chamers of Commerce and Industry. Desai, who presented a detail paper to the high powered committee headed by L.M. Singhvi, justified the limited citizenship awarded to NRIs. "Indian politics cannot be remotely controlled by NRIs who are not involved in the day-to-day affairs of the country," he said.

India's Ambassador to the United States can no longer tell those holding two passports that he is not their representative, Desai said adding another benefit is that a visa to visit India is not needed.

Dual citizens' concerns

In case an individual with Indian and American passports is treated unfairly anywhere, which government would intervene on his behalf? Will the American government rescue a dual citizen if he believes his property in India has been unfairly expropriated? Or for that matter, will America treat an Indian holding dual citizenship equally especially when fears about terrorism are running high? American government may question the loyalty of an individual who has two citizenships, said a few community leaders privately.

However, Sunil Puri, president of First Rockford Group, boldly dwells on what he calls a "delicate subject" for all those who have lived outside India for a long time. He is confounded constantly at and outside home with the question of his national identity. His children aged three to six often wonder if they are Indian or American.

Puri, who is interested in fostering closer U.S.-India relations, said he, as an American citizen, cannot forget the privileges he enjoyed in this country. "How can you not provide loyalty to a country that has treated you so well?" he asked.

Puri recalled his meeting with President Bill Clinton at the White House to further his point. "When the briefing was about to begin, President Clinton told me, ‘I know you are closely connected to your motherland but remember that you are speaking to your Commander-in-Chief and President of America…so tell me straight,'" Puri said.

"You are either pregnant or not. There can be no midway. Same is for dual citizenship," added Puri.

However, Anasuya "Anna" Prasad, president-elect of the National Federation of Indian American Associations (Ramesh Patel group), welcomed the measure saying the NRI Americans will have a choice to retain or regain their Indian citizenship.

"Those who don't want Indian citizenship may not opt for it. There is no binding that all 20-odd million Indians overseas should take what is offered," the Freemont, CA-based community activist said.

Pradas says it gives an emotional kick for keeping Indian citizenship. However, she is unsure if she is willing to go for it. "I haven't given much thought to it. As it is, the Indian government is treating American citizens quite well," she added.

Dr. Dinesh Patel, former president of Indian American Forum for Political Education, welcomed the move especially if it were to benefit aged Indians in America. Retired NRIs could lead a comfortable life in India based on their social security benefits drawn in America.

Patel, a Harvard Medical School doctor, opined that India many benefit with the inflow of foreign exchange while America may not have the responsibility of taking care of its aged citizens. The aged will obviously benefit from a cheaper healthcare system in India, he said.

Parag Khandhar, assistant director, programs and planning at the Asian American Federation, expected many Indian green card holders to take up American citizenship following the Jan. 9 announcement. Motivation to get into the American mainstream politics will now be greater, he added.

Geeta "Citygirl" Chopra, a liberal theater activist, brushed aside all talk of citizenship and said it matters little if she is an American or Indian citizen. "Finally, we are all human beings," she said in a philosophical tone.

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