The political journey of Indian Americans reflects their tenacity, guided by the ethos articulated by Dalip Singh Saund: fight for survival, achieve recognition, and set the bar higher for future generations
The story of Indian Americans in U.S. politics exemplifies resilience, advocacy, and triumph over systemic barriers. Beginning with Dalip Singh Saund, the first Indian American Congressman in 1956, the journey of this community from societal marginalization to political prominence has been remarkable, reported ddnews.gov.in.
In the early 20th century, Indian immigrants faced legal and social discrimination, barred from citizenship and confined to manual labor. Saund, armed with a Ph.D. in Mathematics from UC Berkeley, initially worked as a farmer but soon led the India Association of America, advocating for citizenship rights. His efforts contributed to the passage of the Luce-Celler Act of 1946, granting Indian immigrants eligibility for U.S. citizenship. By 1949, Saund became a naturalized citizen, later serving as a judge and subsequently making history as the first Asian American elected to the U.S. Congress.
Transformative Legislation: The 1965 Immigration Act
The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 marked a turning point, abolishing discriminatory quotas based on national origin. This legislation paved the way for skilled professionals from India to migrate to the U.S., fostering a community of technologists, scientists, doctors, and entrepreneurs. Over time, Indian Americans emerged as one of the most prosperous and educated ethnic groups, laying the foundation for the political engagement of the second generation.
A Promising Future
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Data from AAPI reveals Indian Americans as the most politically active Asian American group, with voter turnout expected to reach 75% in 2024
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Their representation in Congress and federal offices has grown significantly, from 60 appointments during Barack Obama’s second term to over 150 in 2023
A Growing Political Influence
By the 21st century, Indian Americans began asserting their political voice. In 2016, Kamala Harris, a trailblazer of Indian-Jamaican heritage, became the first Indian American elected to the U.S. Senate. The same year, Bobby Jindal, a former Louisiana Governor, made waves as a Republican presidential candidate. Today, Indian Americans like Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Shri Thanedar, and Jeremy A. Cooney continue to hold influential positions in Congress, with nine candidates running for Congress in 2024 and seven securing victories.
Kamala Harris: Breaking Glass Ceilings
Kamala Harris’s historic ascent as the first Indian-origin U.S. Vice President in 2020 further underscored the community’s political progress. In 2024, she secured the Democratic Party’s nomination for the presidency, marking a monumental moment in American politics despite her eventual defeat to Donald Trump.
The 2024 Elections and Beyond
The 2024 election underscored Indian Americans’ expanding influence. Notably, Usha Chilukuri Vance, of Indian descent, is set to become the U.S.’s first Indian-origin Second Lady. Vivek Ramaswamy and Tulsi Gabbard, prominent Indian American figures, have been appointed to key roles in Donald Trump’s administration, further signaling the community’s integration into national leadership.
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