Indian Diaspora Set to Play Key Role in 2024 US Presidential Elections

US Presidential Elections 2024: The Indian diaspora is expected to have a significant impact on the upcoming 2024 US presidential elections. With around 5 million people of Indian descent living in the US, their influence could be crucial in determining the outcome, particularly in key battleground states.

"The Indian diaspora is a growing and influential community in the US. While their share of the electorate is relatively small, they are emerging as a significant voting bloc, especially in swing states like Texas, Georgia, and Pennsylvania," said Avinash Gupta, President of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), in an interview with ANI.

As the 60th quadrennial US presidential election approaches on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Gupta highlighted the importance of the Indian community's voting preferences, which could prove decisive in closely contested races.

Key Issues for Indian Voters

The Indian-American community is deeply concerned about several issues, particularly those related to immigration. "Many members of the Indian diaspora are either immigrants themselves or have close ties to immigration, so policies around family reunification, green card backlogs, and H1-B visa reforms are of primary concern," Gupta explained. He also expressed concerns about illegal immigration, stating, "Illegal immigration from both southern and northern borders is an issue under the current administration. It places a heavy economic burden and increases crime rates, as many immigrants are not properly vetted."

Gupta, who is a doctor by profession, emphasized the importance of healthcare policies. "Many Indian Americans work in healthcare, so affordable healthcare and better working conditions for medical professionals are key issues. Our reimbursements have decreased while the costs to run practices have gone up," he noted, adding that many Indian-Americans support Republican policies that favor lower taxes and economic growth.

Economic and Diplomatic Concerns

Economic policies supporting growth, small business ownership, and entrepreneurship resonate with the Indian diaspora, many of whom are business owners. Gupta also highlighted the impact of global conflicts on inflation, which has made it difficult for middle-class families to afford basic necessities.

US-India relations are another critical area of interest for the diaspora. "Strong diplomatic and trade relations between the US and India are important, both personally and professionally, for many in our community," Gupta said.

Diverse Views Within the Community

Gupta acknowledged the diversity of opinions within the Indian-American community. While younger generations tend to lean more liberal on issues like racial justice, religious freedom, and LGBTQ+ rights, older generations are generally more conservative. "Our generation, in particular, stresses family values, which is why many align with Republican views," he added.

As the 2024 US presidential election draws closer, the Indian diaspora is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping its outcome, with their votes potentially tipping the scales in crucial states.

With inputs from news agencies.

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