Washington, April 24: Indian-American lawmakers and community leaders have strongly condemned remarks made by Donald Trump targeting Indian immigrants and India. They described his comments as offensive, divisive, and detrimental to bilateral relations.
Ami Bera, the longest-serving Indian-American member of Congress, expressed pride in his heritage and the United States. He stated, “As the son of immigrants from India, I take pride in my heritage and in the country that provided my family with the opportunity for a better life.”
He shared that his parents came to America legally in search of opportunity. His mother worked as a public school teacher for 35 years, while his father was an engineer. They raised Bera and his siblings with a strong work ethic, a commitment to public service, and a deep belief in giving back to the country that welcomed them.
Bera, describing himself as “an example of the American story,” noted, “I attended California public schools from kindergarten through medical school, became a doctor, and now have the honor of serving my country in Congress. That is the American dream.”
He labeled Trump’s comments as “offensive, ignorant, and unbecoming of his office,” adding that they reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of who we are as a nation. “America has always been strengthened by generations of immigrants who come here, work hard, and contribute to the country. They do not weaken America; they make it stronger.”
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi also criticized Trump, stating that he has promoted “racist rhetoric.” He remarked, “It is shameful for Donald Trump to make racist comments attacking India and immigrants, and it is unbecoming of his office.”
Krishnamoorthi emphasized that Trump’s language insults millions of Indian-Americans and one of our most important global partners. He added, “This undermines the values that have made America a land of opportunity and innovation. We should strengthen this partnership and respect our diversity rather than create division for political gain.”
Ajay Bhutoria, a former advisor to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, called for an immediate retraction of Trump’s remarks.
He stated, “The language coming from the Oval Office calling India ‘hell’ and our professional community ‘laptop-wielding gangsters’ is a dangerous and offensive distortion of reality.”
Bhutoria argued that Indian-Americans play a central role in the American economy. He noted, “Managers working with laptops create jobs, foster innovation, and contribute significantly to economic growth. They are far better for this country’s future than those gun-toting criminals who promote violence and instability.”
He also highlighted the strategic aspect of U.S.-India relations, saying, “India is a crucial strategic ally… attacking this immigrant community is not just a social mistake; it is also an economic and geopolitical blunder.”
This response reflects growing concern among Indian-Americans regarding comments perceived as targeting immigrants and undermining a vital bilateral partnership. Lawmakers and community leaders have raised this issue not only as a matter of dignity but also in terms of economic and strategic consequences.
The Indian-American community is one of the most affluent and highly educated groups in the United States, with a significant presence in technology, healthcare, and education. Nearly one in ten doctors in America is of Indian descent, and this community plays a crucial role in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Over the past two decades, U.S.-India relations have deepened due to cooperation in defense, technology, and trade. Bilateral trade has exceeded $200 billion, with both countries viewing each other as key partners in addressing global challenges.
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