MAGA's Dangerous Drift Puts Indian Immigrants on Edge
Ram Madhav recently visited the United States twice within four months. His observations reveal a nation sliding into perilous territory. The political climate now poses serious threats to Indian immigrants living there.
From Tariff Tensions to Trade Deal Hopes
During his first trip to Washington DC in August last year, discussions centered on economic policies. The Trump administration had imposed steep tariffs on numerous countries, including India. These tariffs started at 25 percent and later jumped to 50 percent.
India was actively negotiating a free trade agreement with the US at that time. Many hoped this deal would resolve the tariff disputes. Supporters of President Donald Trump argued the tariffs would boost American industry. Critics warned they might trigger higher inflation and economic strain.
Trump himself made bold claims about revenue generation. He suggested the tariffs could bring in hundreds of billions annually. He even hinted that income taxes might become unnecessary due to this influx of funds.
For Indian immigrants, the situation created a difficult bind. They faced pressure from visiting Indian leaders to advocate for the trade deal. Simultaneously, they felt compelled to demonstrate loyalty to the Make America Great Again movement. This growing demand for allegiance placed immigrant communities under intense scrutiny.
A Turning Point in American Politics
Madhav's second visit this January revealed a transformed landscape. Fundamental changes in American society now cause genuine alarm among Indian immigrants. The catalyst for this shift was a tragic event in September last year.
Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist, was murdered at a Utah university. Although his alleged killer wasn't an immigrant, the incident became a rallying point for MAGA politics. The movement increasingly embraced anti-immigrant sentiments, rejecting America's historical identity as a nation built by immigrants.
For centuries, America celebrated its multicultural heritage. The concept of the "melting pot" suggested diverse identities could blend into a unified national character. Later, some described American society as a "salad bowl" where different cultures maintain distinct flavors while coexisting.
The MAGA movement forcefully rejects these ideas. Instead, it promotes what Madhav calls "tomato soup" nationalism. This vision reserves space primarily for White American Christians in national life.
Growing Hostility Targets Indian Communities
The pressure intensified dramatically after Kirk's murder. Even Vice President J D Vance faced scrutiny from MAGA elements regarding his wife's Hindu faith. At a memorial event for Kirk, Vance expressed hope that his wife would eventually embrace Christianity.
This scrutiny now extends to all immigrants, with Indians increasingly becoming targets. Public taunts tell them to "go back" and accuse them of stealing American jobs. Two incidents involving Sikh truck drivers in California and Florida last year resulted in American fatalities. MAGA groups exploited these tragedies to fuel anti-immigrant sentiment.
Social media platforms overflow with posts vilifying immigrant religions as "devil worship." Both FBI director Kash Patel and Texas Governor Greg Abbot faced severe criticism from extreme MAGA groups for hosting Diwali celebrations last October. Comments condemned these events as promoting "foreign gods" in a Christian nation.
What were once fringe elements now wield significant influence. During his recent visit, Madhav learned these groups cause daily harassment, particularly in red states like Florida and Texas. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has increased scrutiny at airports and in communities, leading to forced deportations.
A Community Under Siege
Indian community leaders express deep concern about rising racism in what they call "Fortress America." They worry about their community's future in this hostile environment. Many believe an early conclusion of the US-India trade deal could provide much-needed relief. Such an agreement might signal to the MAGA base that anti-Indian immigrant rhetoric is unacceptable.
Madhav emphasizes these concerns are neither fictional nor exaggerated. They represent the stark reality facing Indian immigrants today. The writer, who serves as president of the India Foundation and is associated with the BJP, paints a troubling picture of America's dangerous political drift.
