TOI correspondent from Washington: US lawmakers of Indian-origin are facing the brunt of nativist fury in America after a photograph one of them posted about their “coalition” triggered a racist meltdown.
Shortly after being sworn as Representatives in the 119th Congress, California Congressman Ami Bera posted a photograph on X saying, “When I was first sworn in twelve years ago, I was the sole Indian-American member of Congress and only the third in US history. Now, our coalition is six strong! I am excited to welcome even more Indian-Americans to the halls of Congress in the years to come!”
The backlash on the social media platform, now a boiling cauldron of right-wing hypernationalism, was immediate. “I did not – nor did my ancestors – sacrifice, fight, bleed, and in some cases die for this country to have it handed over to foreigners. We did it for our children… who are actively being discriminated against by colleges and companies,” wrote one nativist.
“A ‘coalition’ of foreign agents in Congress. You should all be deported,” wrote another, posting a clip of Michigan Congressman Shri Thanedar saying, “America is becoming less white, and that’s what makes this country great.”
Some of the more reasoned response came from critics who argued that expressing ethnic pride through hyphenation is passe. “I don’t care about race, but if they are sent to DC to represent Americans then you should be American. I would never say, I am honored to be an Italian/Irish/Mexican member of Congress. Regardless of where my grandparents/great grandparents were born they were proud Americans,” wrote one.
Among the harsher responses:
“Ethnic solidarity against Americans of this sort – especially by politicians – should be prima facie grounds for deportation.”
“It may be time to enact laws ensuring that only native-born US citizens are eligible to hold federal office.”
“If I can’t even pronounce ya’ll’s names, you don’t belong in Congress much less this country. You’re all going back.”
The six lawmakers featured in the photo are Ami Bera and Ro Khanna from California. Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois, Pramila Jayapal from Washington, Shri Thanedar from Michigan, and Suhas Subramanyam from Virginia, the newest member of the caucus.
Bera, Khanna, Subramanyam were born in the US, and Jayapal, Krishnamoorthi, and Thanedar were born in India and are naturalized Americans. All six are Democrats.
Although Bera did not use the term “samosa caucus” as they are sometimes referred to, one critic advised the group to “please drop “Samosa Caucus” to be taken seriously and adopt a more meaningful name.”
Another right wing troll called all six “woke, anti-Hindu and anti-Americans” and said “you all have done enough damage to Hindus as well as to America. Resign and go home!”
