Government of India Update on Person of Indian Origin (PIO) Card
Posted Apr 20, 1999

The Chennai Liaison Office of the Law Office of Sheela Murthy provides an update on the Person of Indian Origin ( PIO) card. As many of you may be aware, the PIO card allows U.S. citizens of Indian origin who have now become citizens of other countries, the right to travel to India without visas, own property in India and to enjoy benefits similar to Indian citizens residing abroad. This development is hailed by many of Indian origin who have been reluctant to break all ties with their country of birth (or the country of birth of their parents or grandparents or great grand parents). This is a possible first step by the Indian government towards recognizing dual citizenship.

As discussed in earlier editions of the Immigration Law Bulletin of the Law Office of Sheela Murthy, the PIO card accords certain economic and social rights such as property ownership, investment in Indian companies and government bonds, and tax advantages to PIO card holders. These benefits also extend to spouses of PIOs in most cases (barring exceptions discussed earlier) and in general places PIOs on an even footing with nonresident Indians (NRIs). The fee for the PIO card is $1000 per person. An application can be made to the nearest Indian Consulate or Embassy.

It is acknowledged that the PIO card is the first step towards acceptance of dual citizenship, which is not now recognized by the Government in India. Indeed, many persons who may have been hesitant to take on U.S. citizenship for fear of losing their property or other rights in India, may now consider applying for naturalization in the U.S. The Law Office of Sheela Murthy expects that many longtime permanent residents of the U.S. who are of Indian origin may now be motivated to seriously consider U.S. citizenship. It is understandable for many to feel torn between their loyalty for the country of their birth (or the country of the birth of their parents or grand parents or great grand parents) and the country they have adopted to make their home by their contributions to the American work force and way of life. It is a struggle, since the last 200 years especially, for first generation immigrants. The PIO card recognizes the tension and helps both the person of Indian origin and the Indian economy, since PIOs have contributed to several monetary investment plans to assist the development of infrastructure in India. It seems like a win-win for all concerned and long awaited by many.