- As we know, the United States of America is a melting pot where every other nationality from across the universe has found a strong footing to call home the world’s most advanced country. We are aware that the USA is a country made up of citizens from diverse countries around the world. The number of immigrants flocking into the USA has been substantial for the last couple of centuries, and it has only headed northwards over the last few decades. Since the opportunity to excel and lead an extremely gratifying life is abundantly available in America, every other individual fervently wishes to emigrate to carve out a niche for himself/herself. No harm in aspiring to lead a life that is embellished with all the modern-day commodities and more.
PC: Moneycontrol
- Of course, Indians have also flocked to the most happening nation in the world in droves over the decades. The advantages enjoyed by Indians vis-à-vis education, language skills, hard work, and an ability to seamlessly integrate into the ecosystem have meant doors of opportunities are open for the desis. However, the political wind blowing in the USA with the advent of Donald Trump must be causing a few concerns among the Indian Americans. Mind you, a year ago, Trump won Vice President JD Vance’s home state, Ohio, with the biggest margin for the state. A year on, Trump has endorsed Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio’s governor race in 2026, a direct challenge to his racist MAGA base – in the firmly Republican state and beyond. This hasn’t gone unnoticed.
PC: The Times of India
- The American-born Ramaswamy, in Trump’s inner circle, often invites MAGA fire – he talks up Hindu-immigrant roots, wants GOP to avoid identity politics, and supports H-1B visa regime. The problem is that Indian Americans across the US risk getting caught in the crossfire of this ideological war within the Trumpian Republican party. Four almost back-to-back events show why Indian Americans will be tested again on cultural affinity and expression, their faith, and, no doubt, patriotism/nationalism, apart from legal status. One, Trump’s endorsement comes on the heels of Vance’s flip-flop remarks on his spouse, Usha Vance’s Hindu faith – that she should convert to Christianity. Trump’s not hard on religion and stayed mum throughout the episode.
PC: Ohio Capital Journal
- Two, it came mere months after Charlie Kirk’s September killing – whose conservatism was based on conversion – and whose funeral was attended by Trump and Vance with open and strong endorsement of Christian nationalism: MAGA’s very heart. Three, the loss of New York’s mayoral race, and finally, Ohio’s Democratic nominee edging past Ramaswamy in one poll. The NY loss is a reminder that alienating certain groups, especially the most educated migrant group in the US, historically Democrat but who have, in significant numbers, swung to the Republican camp over the last 20 years, will have electoral consequences. Indian Americans, 5.2mn strong, some 2% of the population, have become political fodder. Mind you, but they can play a decisive role as well.
