The growing threat against Indians in the US

Numerous Indians residing in America have a significant influence on various fields such as 
commerce, science, medicine, and education, among others. Previously, skilled Indians had 
substantial employment opportunities in America. They are esteemed for their honesty, diligence, 
and tenacity. New regulations imposed by the Trump administration hindered foreign experts' ability 
to immigrate to the US. Moreover, an increase in Americans' dislike of Indians is yet another factor
contributing to this situation. Being viewed as dangerous towards American citizens is evident.

A significant increase in the number of immigrants from India is evident within the American 
population. The United States Census Bureau estimates that approximately 4 million Indians live in 
America as of 2020. Two million corresponds roughly to 1 in 10,000. Approximately 2% of the overall 
population constitutes this figure. Despite efforts to mitigate it, there is now a disturbing rise in 
violent acts against members of this group.

Increasing online hostility

Indians face threats on multiple fronts, including digital platforms and physical environments. The 
occurrence of violence towards Indians is now commonplace. Studies indicate an extraordinary rise 
in violent acts targeting South Asian and Indian populations specifically. A recent investigation 
reveals an increase in anti-Asian harassment by two-fold since January of this year through May. 
Nearly 70% of comments on platform X portrayed Indian individuals as 'invaders' or 'job thieves'.
The incidence of violent threats, intimidating behaviour, and societal ostracism has risen 
significantly. It stems from cyberbullying and harassment taking place on digital platforms. The act of 
referring to foreign experts as competitors or adversaries reinforces an anti-immigrant perspective.

Offline violence and discriminatory risk

Reports indicate incidents targeting Indians within religious sites, offices, particularly against those 
holding US-based work visas known as H1Bs. Moreover, we have observed an increasing prevalence 
of ethnic-focused alarmist discourse.

In the late eighties through early nineties, instances of violence targeting Indian individuals began 
appearing. In New Jersey, members of the Dotbusters group started intimidating Native Americans 
through intimidation tactics and engaging in violent acts towards them. Many cultures use the dot 
symbol, but it is most commonly known as a bindi among Hindus, placed at the centre of the 
forehead for aesthetic purposes. Gradually, the group disbanded; however, lingering prejudices 
against Indians persisted in certain quarters.

Hate crimes targeting South Asian individuals, especially those of Indian descent, have risen 
significantly within American society over the past few years. Numerous violent assaults occurred, 
resulting in countless Indian-Americans being killed. This represents instances where violence is 
directed towards Indian citizens as part of discriminatory acts.

A 50-year-old male suffered an execution-style murder by being decapitated before witnesses, 
including his spouse and child, during a recent incident in Dallas, Texas. An individual born in India 
lost his life when he was fatally wounded during an encounter with another person who had 
defecated publicly in their community setting. This is indicative of widespread occurrences. A clear 
trend towards increasing animosity can be observed. This entire occurrence transpired during the 
year two thousand twenty-five. An Indian-American executive died after being struck in the head 
outside a restaurant in Virginia. A father-daughter duo, the store owners in Virginia, were shot dead 
by a resentful customer. A student from Telangana was fatally shot while working part-time at a gas 
station in Texas.

These incidents have raised alarm bells about the safety of Indians in the US, especially those 
working in vulnerable sectors like hospitality, retail, and gig economy jobs.
According to FBI data, hate crimes against Indian Hindu Americans have been steadily rising. A 2021 
survey revealed that 50 per cent of Indian-Americans reported experiencing racial discrimination, 
and 26% had been called offensive names by strangers.

Political and social undercurrents

Marko Elez, a 25-year-old software programmer associated with Elon Musk's Department of 
Government Efficiency (DOGE), stated on X, "You could not pay me to marry outside of my 
ethnicity." "Normalise Indian hate," said another post from that same month. Vice President J D 
Vance wrote on X that while he disagreed with Elez's remarks, "stupid social media activity" 
shouldn't "ruin a kid's life." "So I say bring him back," President Trump declared his support. IndianAmerican leaders, such as Congressman Ro Khanna, sharply criticised this action and called for an 
apology and accountability.

Many hostile narratives specifically portray Indians as "stealing American jobs" or abusing the H1B 
visa system, according to a report by the Centre for the Study of Organised Hate (CSOH). The CSOH 
discovered that anti-Indian posts were dominated by themes about job theft.
US domestic politics have seen anti-immigrant rhetoric intensify, and groups who feel left behind 
may channel frustration toward visible immigrant communities, including Indians. Online hate spikes 
often coincide with broader election-cycle or immigration debates. 
The Indian diaspora is well-known in fields such as academia, technology, and medicine. Although 
this is a positive, when other groups see one minority group's upward mobility as a threat, it can also 
lead to backlash.

Impacts on the Indian diaspora 

The absence of social interaction affects our daily activities. Social interactions suffer, leading to 
decreased productivity at work. This situation affects psychological well-being significantly. 
Individuals belonging to an ethnic group in India who hold work permits under programs like H1Bs 
might experience heightened vulnerability due to potential biases, harassment based on their 
ethnicity, or unemployment risks associated with visa restrictions.

Social withdrawal due to apprehension over potential dangers or abuse could lead to decreased 
involvement in communal activities. Fear of risks, such as dangers at home or environmental issues, 
could make some Indians think twice before settling in America or delay their chances of working or 
studying there.

Organisations such as employers, educational establishments, tech firms, and municipal police need 
vigilance to identify incidents targeting individuals from India's community across various platforms, 
including online activities and real-world interactions. Associations of Indian descent must establish 
mutual aid groups and inform participants about their entitlements, secure areas where they feel 
protected, and guide them on reporting any form of mistreatment.

Platforms need more vigorous enforcement of policies against hateful Indian-related material; 
surveillance systems targeting Asian-hate groups should be developed urgently. Indians in America 
might collaborate with fellow minorities who share common dangers (such as Asians, immigrants, or 
others), ensuring their efforts aren't individualistic but united collectively.

Organisations dedicated to advocacy aim to shape laws that safeguard the rights of marginalised
populations. Advocating for more stringent anti-hate legislation alongside initiatives that foster
inclusivity and equality seeks to create a safe space for everyone.

Concerns over democratic integrity and equitable societal treatment escalate due to rising attacks 
on Indian citizens within America. Its message underscores the necessity of an integrated effort 
involving every individual in society, encompassing lawmakers, municipal bodies, and citizens at 
large.

Learning is vital for combating discrimination. Educational institutions must incorporate modules 
highlighting inclusion and equality into their academic programs. Involving young people in 
promoting awareness helps them confront prejudices and encourage compassion among peers.
The media significantly shapes how people publicly view events and issues. Ethical journalism, free 
of exaggeration, highlights facts, helping diminish stigma and promoting mutual understanding 
across groups.