California Bill Divides Indian Americans Over Foreign Interference Fears

California Bill Against Foreign Hits on Diaspora Splits Indian Americans A contentious bill aimed at protecting California's diaspora community from foreign interference has sparked a heated debate among Indian Americans, with some hailing it as a necessary safeguard while others decry it as an overreach of state authority. The bill, which passed the state Senate in April 2025, seeks to prevent foreign governments from targeting individuals and groups within California's diaspora community. The legislation was prompted by a series of high-profile attacks on Sikh activists in North America, which officials have linked to Indian government involvement. Gurtej Singh Cheema, a retired clinical professor of internal medicine who spoke at the state Capitol in support of the bill, said: "We're not asking for special treatment; we just want to be safe. Our community has been targeted, and it's time for the state to take action." However, not all Indian Americans share Cheema's optimism. Some argue that the bill infringes on their right to free speech and association, while others see it as an unnecessary intrusion into federal jurisdiction. "This is a classic case of overreach," said Rohan Desai, a California-based lawyer who has spoken out against the bill. "The state is trying to regulate something that's already being handled by the federal government." The Sikh Coalition, a community advocacy group, estimates that there are 250,000 Sikhs living in California, representing about 40% of the nation's Sikh population. Many have made the state their home for over a century. The attacks on Sikh activists in North America have been linked to India's National Investigation Agency (NIA), which has been accused of using its agents to intimidate and harass community leaders. The US government has condemned these actions, but some Indian Americans remain skeptical about the effectiveness of law enforcement in protecting their community. "We've seen what happens when we rely on the federal government," said Cheema. "We need a state-level solution that can respond quickly and effectively." The bill is now headed to the California Assembly for consideration. If passed, it would make California the first state to enact legislation specifically targeting foreign interference in its diaspora community. Background: The issue of foreign interference in the diaspora community has been gaining attention in recent years, with several high-profile cases involving Indian government agents and their alleged involvement in attacks on Sikh activists. In 2023, a Canadian court convicted an Indian national of conspiring to intimidate and harass Sikh activists. The case was linked to India's NIA, which has been accused of using its agents to target community leaders. Additional Perspectives: Some experts argue that the bill is too broad and could be used to target other communities or individuals who are critical of foreign governments. "This bill is a slippery slope," said Dr. Arun Kundnani, a professor at New York University's Center for Human Rights and Global Justice. "It sets a precedent for state-level intervention in federal jurisdiction, which could have far-reaching consequences." Current Status: The California Assembly is expected to consider the bill in the coming weeks. If passed, it would make California the first state to enact legislation specifically targeting foreign interference in its diaspora community. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the issue of foreign interference in the diaspora community is complex and multifaceted, requiring a nuanced approach that balances individual rights with national security concerns. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*