Indian-Americans demand stricter measures against hate speech amid rising social media attacks

Community calls for bipartisan action and corporate accountability to combat racism and protect Indian professionals

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Indian-Americans are raising concerns over the rise in racist rhetoric and social media attacks targeting Indian professionals in the US, particularly those on H-1B visas. The community fears that the online hostility may escalate into real-world violence, prompting calls for stricter enforcement against hate speech and reforms to safeguard their rights and security , reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.

Stronger mechanisms needed to address hate speech and ensure community safety

Rishi Kumar, a Silicon Valley tech executive and community leader, emphasized the need for inclusivity and proactive measures. “The attacks are deeply troubling, and it’s time for leaders across sectors to act decisively,” he said. Similarly, Atal Agarwal, founder of OpenSphere, warned against retaliatory acts of racism and urged individuals to report issues to authorities.

Indian-American Congressmen like Ro Khanna, Shri Thanedar, and Raja Krishnamoorthi have publicly condemned the attacks. However, community leaders, including Robinder Sachdev of Imagindia Institute, stress the need for bipartisan support and robust hate crime laws to address these challenges comprehensively.

Ajay Bhutoria, deputy national finance chair of the Democratic Party, highlighted his efforts to collaborate with tech platforms and law enforcement agencies to counter online hate speech. He advocates for dialogue and stronger policies to protect vulnerable communities while fostering awareness.

• The Indian-American community in Silicon Valley, home to the largest concentration of Indian IT professionals, remains at the center of this controversy

• Kumar, a member of the Santa Clara County Democratic Party, is advocating for stricter resolutions and outreach to social media companies and political leaders

Indian organizations like Indiaspora and the South Asian Bar Association are also playing a pivotal role in fostering solidarity and advocating for reforms. They aim to create spaces for respectful discourse and address hate crimes through civic engagement and collaboration with lawmakers.

Immigration Reforms and Industry’s Role

With President-elect Donald Trump set to take office, experts believe his administration will face early challenges addressing immigration reforms. Industry leaders like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have spoken out in support of high-skilled professionals, urging a balanced approach that ensures America’s global competitiveness.

Immigration lawyers and policy experts call for reforms to the H-1B visa program, including merit-based selection, removal of per-country limits, and reduced green card backlogs. These measures would address systemic challenges while aligning with America’s economic and social priorities.

Community leaders hope for a comprehensive approach that addresses hate speech, strengthens immigration policies, and fosters inclusivity to protect Indian-Americans and other minorities from rising xenophobia and racism.

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