How can de novo citizenship verification processes impact the relationship between different communities in a state?

De novo citizenship verification refers to a fresh, comprehensive process where the citizenship status of residents is re-examined from the beginning, without relying on previous records. Such exercises are often initiated to update or verify the list of citizens in a particular state. While intended to ensure accuracy in records, these processes can have significant social and communal impacts.

• Heightened Anxiety and Insecurity: Communities, especially minorities or marginalized groups, may feel targeted or anxious about their citizenship status being questioned, leading to fear and uncertainty.
• Distrust Among Communities: If the process is perceived as biased or discriminatory, it can erode trust between different communities, and between citizens and the state.
• Social Polarization: Such verification exercises can deepen existing divisions and fuel identity-based politics, causing polarization along linguistic, religious, or ethnic lines.
• Disruption of Social Harmony: Communities that feel unfairly scrutinized may withdraw from social interactions or face stigmatization, impacting peaceful coexistence.
• Risk of Exclusion: Errors or lack of documentation can lead to genuine citizens being excluded, which may result in social and economic marginalization of certain groups.
• Legal and Social Disputes: The process may trigger a rise in legal battles and public protests, straining relationships among communities and with authorities.
• Impact on Daily Life: People may have to repeatedly prove their citizenship, affecting their access to education, employment, and welfare schemes, which can further fuel resentment.