Indian-American leaders are encouraging members of their community to step up and engage in politics, particularly as they face a rise in anti-India sentiments in certain areas of the U.S.
At a recent event on Capitol Hill hosted by the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi highlighted that despite being one of the most educated and successful groups in the country, Indian-Americans are encountering new challenges, including “anti-Hindu” and “anti-Indian” hate.
He urged his fellow community members to become more involved in politics. “It’s time to get more active than ever before. Speak up and make sure your voices are heard,” said Krishnamoorthi, who represents Illinois. He called on Indian-Americans to consider running for various offices, regardless of their political party.
“Remember, if you don’t have a seat at the table, you might end up on the menu. You need to ensure your interests are represented,” he added, encouraging participants to think about positions from city councils to Congress.
Congressman Suhas Subramanyam echoed these thoughts, emphasizing that having representatives in decision-making roles is important for addressing community issues. Congressman Shri Thanedar also spoke out about the growing hate against immigrants, urging unity within the diaspora to combat these challenges.
Senator Roger Marshall from Kansas spoke about the significant partnership between India and the U.S., noting that a bilateral trade agreement could be mutually beneficial, especially for farmers in his home state.
Several Democratic lawmakers, including Sanford Bishop, James Walkinshaw, Brad Sherman, and Bill Huizenga, expressed their support for the Indian-American community, particularly concerning immigration issues and the backlog in permanent residency applications.
In recent years, Indian-American advocacy groups have raised alarms about rising Hinduphobia and negative rhetoric against India, including attacks on Hindu temples and disruptions of religious events.
The Indian-American community, which is about 5.2 million strong according to the 2023 U.S. Census Bureau, is one of the fastest-growing and most influential ethnic groups in the U.S., making strides in various sectors like business, education, and public service.
