Our Bureau
New York, NY
The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has submitted a formal letter to the White House expressing strong concern and protest regarding rhetoric endorsed on April 23, 2026. The communication addresses the promotion of remarks attributed to Michael Savage, which characterized India and China in derogatory terms and questioned the legitimacy of legal and birthright citizenship for Asian Americans.
The letter, jointly issued by GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham and President Prakash Shah, emphasizes that such rhetoric goes beyond political disagreement. “It is a direct affront to the dignity of millions of citizens and risks undermining both the economic strength and strategic interests of the United States,” the leaders stated.
GOPIO underscored that the economic reality stands in stark contrast to such narratives. Indian Americans are among the most highly educated and economically successful communities in the United States, contributing significantly across technology, healthcare, academia, and entrepreneurship. Chinese Americans similarly play a vital role in the STEM workforce that powers American innovation. Disparaging these communities, GOPIO noted, weakens the foundation of the nation’s global competitiveness.
Dr. Abraham further highlighted the broader implications, noting that rhetoric casting doubt on legal residency and birthright citizenship could accelerate what experts describe as a “talent shift.” Highly skilled professionals prioritize opportunity, stability, and respect, and any erosion of these factors risks diminishing the United States’ position as the world’s leading destination for talent.
President Shah emphasized the global context, stating that under purchasing power parity, the economies of China and India rank among the largest worldwide and continue to expand rapidly. “These nations are key global actors. Language that diminishes them undermines the mutual respect necessary for constructive international engagement,” he said.
The letter also reaffirmed India’s importance as a strategic partner of the United States, warning that rhetoric perceived as dismissive or disrespectful could complicate bilateral relations and increase the cost of strategic alignment at a time when global partnerships are essential.
GOPIO further noted that questioning birthright citizenship challenges a foundational principle of the United States, one that has long supported social cohesion and national identity. Such discourse, the organization stated, risks creating uncertainty among law-abiding residents and undermining confidence in established legal norms.
In conclusion, GOPIO leadership called for a retraction of the endorsement of such remarks and a reaffirmation of the values of inclusion, respect, and equal opportunity. They also urged a broader, fact-based public dialogue that reflects the contributions of immigrant communities to the nation’s success.
“The future strength of the United States lies in its ability to attract, retain, and empower talent from around the world. That strength should not be compromised by rhetoric that alienates those who contribute so significantly to its prosperity,” the letter concluded.
About GOPIO
Founded in 1989, GOPIO is a non-partisan, not-for-profit, secular organization with individual life members and chapter delegates from over 100 chapters in 36 countries. GOPIO promotes engagement, cooperation, and communication between the global Indian diaspora and local communities, fostering networks, partnerships, and civic participation worldwide.
