Straight Talk | The Scapegoating Of Indian Americans Has Begun—And It Will Intensify |
The greatest irony of American democracy is on full display today. A nation that prides itself as a beacon of pluralism is systematically demonising one of its most economically productive and law-abiding communities—Indian Americans.
The evidence is stark. Hate crimes targeting people of Indian origin surged by 91 per cent over the past year. In recent months alone, Hindu temples have been vandalised repeatedly across California, Virginia, Texas, and beyond. In some cases, CCTV footage captured the perpetrators, yet police made no arrests. Racist memes depicting Indians as outsiders flooded social media platforms. Political figures (mostly Republicans) are openly questioning whether Indian Americans assimilate, demanding they “go back to India". This is not fringe extremism anymore. It is becoming normalised discourse.
Yet there exists a jarring disconnect between this hostility and reality.
Success Without Protection
Indian Americans comprise just 1.5 per cent of the US population—5.1 million people. Despite this tiny footprint, they contribute 6 per cent of all federal income taxes annually, amounting to $250-300 billion. They lead 16 Fortune 500 companies, collectively employing 2.7 million Americans and generating nearly $1 trillion in annual revenue. Sixteen Fortune 500 CEOs. Let that sink in. These individuals did not inherit dynasties. They climbed from nothing to the apex of American capitalism.
The economic reach extends far beyond the boardroom. Indian Americans own approximately 60 per cent of all US hotels. That’s approximately 34,000 properties generating $700 billion in annual revenue and creating over four million jobs. In states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, this figure reaches a staggering 90 per cent. Walk into any convenience store across America, and there is a significant probability an........