Congressman Shri Thanedar believes that Indian-Americans do not wield the political clout they should. Despite their growing numbers and significant contributions to American society, Indian-Americans are still underrepresented in key political positions.
Several factors contribute to this disparity. One is the relatively recent arrival of many Indian-Americans in the United States. While the population has grown significantly in recent decades, the community is still building its political infrastructure and influence. Early Indian immigrants faced significant hurdles, including discriminatory laws that limited their opportunities for citizenship and political participation. The abolishment of national origin quotas in 1965 paved the way for increased immigration and subsequent political representation.
Another factor is the diversity within the Indian-American community itself. People of Indian descent come from various religious, linguistic, and regional backgrounds, which can sometimes make it difficult to form a cohesive political bloc. However, data indicates that Indian-American politicians are garnering support from various communities in their run for public office.
Despite these challenges, there have been notable advancements. In the 2024 U.S. elections, six Indian-American candidates won seats in the House of Representatives, increasing their representation from five to six. These include Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, and Shri Thanedar, along with newcomer Suhas Subramanyam. Subramanyam's victory is particularly significant as he is the first Indian-American elected from Virginia and the East Coast. These members form what is informally known as the "Samosa Caucus," a term coined to celebrate the growing influence of Indian-Americans in U.S. politics.
Shri Thanedar himself represents Michigan's 13th District. Born in Karnataka, India, he immigrated to the U.S. for higher education in 1979 and built a successful career as an entrepreneur before entering politics. His political priorities include economic development, healthcare access, and educational opportunities. Thanedar is a strong advocate for expanding the H-1B visa program, which allows skilled foreign workers to contribute to the U.S. economy. His vocal support for this program and increased legal immigration has made him a target of hateful rhetoric and xenophobic attacks. In response, Thanedar introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning Hinduphobia, highlighting the racism that is still present in America.
To increase their political clout, Indian-Americans need to focus on greater political participation, including increased voter turnout and more active involvement in political campaigns. They also need to build stronger alliances with other communities and work to ensure that their voices are heard at all levels of government. Despite the challenges, the growing number of Indian-Americans in elected office is a sign of progress. With continued effort and engagement, Indian-Americans can achieve the political influence they deserve.
