Congress Proposal Would Honour Indian Americans Every July

Washington, October 26

A proposal to honour Indian Americans with a dedicated heritage month has taken a significant step in the US House of Representatives. The resolution, introduced on Monday by Raja Krishnamoorthi, asks the country to designate July as Indian American Heritage Month.

More than half of the House has signed on in support. The resolution currently has the backing of 256 members in the 435-seat chamber.

The resolution's central aim is to recognise the contributions of Indian Americans to the nation's growth. Krishnamoorthi said the community has helped advance America across multiple generations, through innovations that have saved lives, created jobs and strengthened the economy, as well as through public and military service.

"It is an honour to see 256 colleagues join this effort," he said. "This is a moment to celebrate the heritage of Indian Americans and their contributions to a stronger America."

July was chosen for a historical reason. On July 2, 1946, President Harry S. Truman signed the Luce-Celler Act, which granted people of Indian origin the right to naturalise as US citizens for the first time. Before the law, Indian immigrants had been excluded from citizenship for many decades.

The resolution points to 2023 US Census Bureau data showing that more than 5.2 million people in America identify as Indian American. It also describes the community's roots in a civilisation spanning over 5,000 years and notes its status as one of the most religiously diverse groups in the country.

The document lists contributions across science, medicine, biomedical research, space exploration, artificial intelligence, computing and telecommunications. It also recognises service in every branch of the US armed forces and across different levels of government.

It is important to note that this is a simple House resolution. If approved, it would not establish a federal holiday, nor would it need presidential approval.

The measure comes just a week before the US midterm elections on November 3, in which several Indian American candidates are running for office.