Lawmakers laud Indian Americans during the NFIA Annual Brunch

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The Annual Congressional Brunch of the National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA) was held on September 11, 2024, at the Capitol Visitors Center on US Capitol in Washington DC.

Several lawmakers addressed the gathering and commended the community’s work in furthering the US-India relationship.

On behalf of NFIA, an umbrella organization, which has been in existence for more than 40 years, President Raj Razdan thanked all the guests, including the lawmakers for their participation at the event.

“Your presence here today at this congressional brunch, means a lot. It’s a testament to your commitment to our shared vision and mission. We look forward to working together to create a meaningful change in the service of the Indian American community, and enhancing the bond of Indo-US friendship,” she added. “NFIA is endeavoring for effective community advocacy to address specific issues through building awareness, engaging stakeholders, with the goal of the community empowerment.”

Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), commended the work of Indian Americans in New Jersey’s growth and noted, “thank you for your involvement what you do in business, and the private sector, and obviously just how engaged you are in our communities around the country.”

Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) commended the economic achievements of Indian Americans, referring to them as “extraordinary entrepreneurs.”

He went on to say Indian Americans started 15 per cent of Silicon Valley tech startups, one in 20 physicians in America are Indian Americans, and 70 per cent of Indian Americans have H1-B visas.

About H1-B visas, Moulton added, “You probably all know what these are. These are visas that are very important for highly skilled workers to come to the United States. You, your community has shown an incredible commitment to education and professional achievement really setting the standard for so many other Americans across the country.”

Shri Thanedar (D-MI) recalled how his student visa application to the United States was rejected four times before it was finally approved the fifth time. But, he proudly shared, “Today, I, as a member of Congress, I sit on the Homeland Security committee in charge with a seat at the table deciding about protecting our borders and deciding who comes into America.”

He recalled that he formed a Caucus in the U.S. Congress to protect and support Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.

Former Maryland Lieutenant Governor, Kathleen Kennedy highlighted her family’s key role in supporting immigrant groups. “And you probably all know that my uncle, John Kennedy and my father worked very hard to get the 1965 immigration law passed, which is why you are all here,” she noted.

She mentioned that her father valued both the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, believing that voting gave people real power to choose leaders that they liked.

Congressman Martin Reese (D-TX) discussed the importance of Hindu Americans in the Dallas Fort Worth area. NFIA Executive Director Hari Singh, along with Indian Embassy representatives Karthik Iyer and Jigar Raval, also spoke at the event. Dr. Subhash Razdan served as the emcee.