A group of Indian Americans from across the US observed India Advocacy Day at the US Capitol.
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More than 65 delegates from 20 states of the US, throughout the day, visited the offices of over 70 Congressmen and held discussions with their senior staffers on issues of importance to the Indian Americans.
“The feedback I got is, you did it very respectfully and eloquently and did it in a very effective way. You should be really proud of that. I’m really proud to see how far this community has come,” Congressman Ro Khanna, Co-Chair of the Congressional India Caucau told the diaspora community.
Mukesh Aghi, president of the US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum, said the economic prosperity of India is good for America and its companies and a militarily strong India is good for regional stability. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said the reason why the India-US partnership is so strong is that Indian Americans are the bridge, that glue that brings India and the United States together.
Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar called for comprehensive immigration reform and supported FIIDS recommendations to remove country quota in issuing the Green Card. Congressman Dr Rich McCormick said Indian Americans are the most important demographic in the future of American politics.
To raise awareness on similar issues, FIIDS had organized an interaction with the lawmakers on the hill. Speaking of the significance of the event, director of FIIDS, Khanderao Kand said, “With a population of 4.5 million and direct contribution in diverse fields including tech, hotels, transportation, health care, finance and agriculture, Indian Americans are well established and respected but their issues and concerns on policy matters are not reflected on the hill. We are here to make an impact felt and our voice heard.”
