Reconciling national interest with humanitarian concerns for illegal immigrants and refugees: A study of asylum and refugee policy of India

This paper explores the tension between national interests and humanitarian responsibilities in the treatment of refugees and illegal immigrants, with a comparative focus on India and the United States. It highlights the historical persistence of migration driven by conflict, economic compulsions, and environmental crises, and examines the demographic, social, and political consequences of large-scale population movements. Using case studies, official data, and judicial pronouncements, the study evaluates how both countries balance sovereign concerns such as border security, demographic stability, and political integrity with their moral and international obligations to protect the persecuted and stateless. In the Indian context, the analysis traces challenges from the Partition to contemporary debates on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC), situating them within broader concerns of national identity and multiculturalism. In the U.S., the paper considers the dynamics of border control, political polarization, and integration of immigrants. By analyzing policies, legal frameworks, and societal responses, the study underscores the complexity of reconciling humanitarian ideals with national sovereignty. It argues for practical, collaborative strategies that uphold democratic values while addressing security and identity concerns, offering insights relevant for scholars, policymakers, and civil society actors engaged with global migration.