Far-Right Targets Indian Americans, Exploiting Economic Anxieties

A surge in anti-Indian sentiment on the American right has brought national attention to a growing far-right campaign to demonize people of Indian descent. This phenomenon has become particularly visible in Texas, which has one of the largest Indian American populations in the country.

Bo French, a Republican candidate for Texas railroad commissioner, sparked controversy with a post on X (formerly Twitter) over a photograph of cheering students at a University of Texas at Austin football game. French commented on the number of South Asians in the crowd, writing, “The problem is now obviously far worse than anyone imagined,” and adding that such images showed “how many Americans have been displaced by foreigners.” At least some of the students in the widely shared photograph were U.S. citizens. Sidharth Ram, founder of the Indian American Advocacy Council, expressed concern, stating, "He assumed every brown person in that picture is not American, which is scary because he is a politician running for statewide office."

This trend has been amplified by online influencers who target Indian American communities, warning of a "desi takeover." These influencers often frame their narratives around fears of competition in education and jobs, aiming to gain traction within the Republican party. Ravi Kapur, founder of the South Asian television network Diya TV, noted that social media algorithms can incentivize outrage, boosting engagement for anti-Indian messaging.

The H1B visa program has become a focal point for nativists, who portray it as a pathway for Indians to immigrate to the United States. While some on the right, like the late Charlie Kirk, have publicly opposed increased visas for Indian immigrants, others on the right, including business leaders, defend the program as essential for attracting global talent. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has navigated this tension, imposing restrictions on H1B visas at state universities while also emphasizing his state's efforts to attract diverse talent and maintain positive relationships with the Indian community.

Roots of Anti-Indian Sentiment

A 2024 study by Yale researcher Leah Boustan examined school districts in California between 2000 and 2016 and found that as Asian students increased in high-income suburban districts, white enrollment decreased. This phenomenon, termed "white flight," suggests that rising Asian enrollment, correlating with increased overall test scores but flat white test scores, may be a factor driving white families to relocate. While the study focused on California, Texas has a long-standing "top 10 percent rule" law for college admissions, which could create similar competitive dynamics.

Indian Americans are among the most successful diaspora groups in the United States, often characterized by high incomes and strong representation in professions such as medicine and technology. However, this success, coupled with rapid assimilation, has increasingly become a target for white nationalist backlash. This can be seen as a shift from previous nativist critiques that focused on poverty or "third world" culture, as the current attacks often target a community perceived as economically and educationally successful.

Exploiting Economic Fears

Ashish Agrawal, chair of the Hindu American civic organization Disha, believes that economic pressures and job losses may be contributing to the scapegoating of Indians. "As people lose their jobs…if they see someone else that doesn’t look like them, right, is still living comfortably, I think that’s causing some of [this resentment]," he said.

Suhag Shukla of the Hindu American Foundation likened the resentment towards Indian Americans to antisemitism, noting that both groups are sometimes targeted for their economic and educational success. She also pointed out that the physical identifiability of Indian Americans can make them a more visible target.

Community Response

Indian American community members are responding to this trend with a mix of engagement and advocacy. Many advocate for increased civic involvement and community outreach to counter misunderstandings. Karthik Soora, a Houston-based entrepreneur, suggested that while Indian Americans have achieved success, they should be mindful of how they present it to the broader public. "We have achieved. But don’t flaunt,"

Swapan Dhairyawan, an Indian American involved in GOP politics, emphasized shared conservative values such as family, faith, and lower taxes as common ground with Republican voters. Despite his political leanings, Dhairyawan stated he would not vote for French and would opt for a write-in candidate.

Others, like Agrawal, are focused on increasing Indian American voter turnout to ensure their political influence is recognized. "If you’re [not] at the table, you’re at the menu," he said.

For many, there is optimism rooted in the historical experiences of other minority groups in the United States. They assert their right to belong, to call America home, and to protect it, leveraging the U.S. constitutional framework to ensure that the promise of America is accessible to all, regardless of background.