Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Sep 23: Indian American community leaders raised concerns over immigration-related challenges facing students, families and healthcare professionals during a meeting with Congressman Jim McGovern in Massachusetts.
The meeting was held at the India Worcester Center in Shrewsbury on September 19 and was attended by professionals, entrepreneurs, physicians and civic advocates from the Indian American community.
The discussions covered immigration, healthcare, economic opportunities, civic participation and India-US relations. The participants also discussed the community's growing political engagement and the need for continued direct dialogue with elected representatives from both major political parties.
While the statement issued on the meeting did not specify particular immigration proposals, participants highlighted difficulties faced by students, families, medical professionals and other immigrants while navigating the US immigration system.
Community members also stressed that Indian Americans from different religious, generational and political backgrounds should have a meaningful voice in civic affairs.
McGovern, a Democrat, represents Massachusetts' second congressional district in the US House of Representatives.
The meeting also discussed the role of Indian Americans in building bipartisan support for the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement.
Ramesh Vishwanath Kapur, founder and president of the US India Security Council, said the agreement demonstrated what could be achieved through cooperation across party lines.
"The Civil Nuclear Agreement showed what is possible when Republicans and Democrats come together around a shared strategic vision," Kapur said.
He said the campaign surrounding the agreement demonstrated how civic engagement by Indian Americans could contribute to strengthening relations between Washington and New Delhi.
Satya Mitra, a community leader and Worcester city councillor-at-large, spoke about McGovern's relationship with his constituents and his accessibility.
"What has always stood out to me is his accessibility and commitment to public service," Mitra said.
Mitra encouraged Indian Americans to participate actively in civic life and speak publicly on issues affecting their communities.
Sahdev Passey also praised McGovern's work with constituents and his efforts to remain accessible and responsive, according to the statement.
Participants called for sustained engagement between Indian American organisations and elected representatives at the federal, state and local levels.
They said the Indian American diaspora could serve as a bridge between the world's two largest democracies because of its familiarity with the cultures, economies and institutions of both countries.
Technology, trade, energy, healthcare, education, defence and innovation were identified as areas where the community could contribute to strengthening bilateral cooperation between India and the US.
The participants also called for greater collaboration among Indian American organisations, business leaders, elected officials, civic advocates, students and younger generations.
They said the community's objective should go beyond increasing voter participation and instead focus on building a durable civic structure capable of engaging policymakers from both parties and advocating for issues important to Indian Americans as well as the wider country.