Acknowledging the progress made by Indian Americans in the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi (local time) said they have played a significant role in further strengthening the inclusive society and economy of America’s Melting Pot. He spoke at the State Dinner hosted by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the White House. The event was attended by several prominent business leaders, politicians, and dignitaries from both countries, including billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani, Google CEO Sunder Pichai, and Microsoft founder Bill Gates among others.
“Indian Americans have come a long way in the US and have always found a respectful place in America’s Melting Pot,” PM Modi said. “They are proud of India’s democratic traditions and values but are also committed to the American dream of success. From hospitals to hotels, universities to research labs and gas stations to logistics management, they are making their mark in all sectors of the economy. Their contribution is a source of inspiration for the youth of India and America,” he added.
Despite this, many Indian Americans continue to face multilayered racialization, which affects their political participation and social integration in the US. A combination of both cultural and structural factors can explain this. A key factor is using a racialized identity framework in America that frames a person as belonging to a particular group based on appearance and behavior. This can lead to negative stereotypes and prejudice against the person.
Another factor is the acculturation process in the US, when Indian immigrants integrate into American society and lose their distinct Indian ethnic identities. This is facilitated by the fact that most Indian Americans live on the West Coast, where they have greater exposure to other people of color and identify as Asians. The acculturation process is further accelerated by the use of immigration laws that allow people of Indian origin to become legal permanent residents and gain full citizenship.
In addition, the second generation of Indian American women has a greater tendency to acculturate and take on more active roles in their communities. This is evidenced by the fact that they have a lower rate of domestic violence than other American women. Moreover, they have higher rates of professional advancement and are more likely to be in leadership positions than their peers in the same demographics.
Consequently, the future directives for the multilayered racialization of Indian Americans in the United States should focus on combating stereotypes and prejudices by utilizing an intersectional approach that examines cultural and structural aspects. Furthermore, it should explore the impact of changing demographics and work to integrate Indian American communities into broader US society. This can be accomplished by providing more opportunities for Indian American children to engage with their community through sports, arts, and other activities that foster a shared sense of identity and a common understanding of their history in the US.
