A group of Democratic lawmakers, including Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congressman Ted Lieu, and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, introduced a House resolution denouncing racist rhetoric aimed at Indian and Chinese Americans. This resolution follows President Donald Trump’s amplification of a controversial social media post that questioned birthright citizenship and immigrants’ loyalty to the United States. The lawmakers expressed concern that such rhetoric could fuel discrimination and violence, particularly amid a rise in ‘anti-Asian’ hate in the country.
The resolution specifically addresses Trump’s amplification of a post by radio host Michael Savage on Truth Social, which used derogatory language about India and China and raised doubts about immigrants’ loyalty to America. Congressman Krishnamoorthi criticized Trump for promoting racist rhetoric that could exacerbate hate and discrimination faced by Indian and Chinese American communities. He emphasized the contributions of these communities to the nation’s economy, military, and overall progress.
Congressman Lieu, who immigrated to the United States as a child, highlighted the long-standing issue of Asian Americans being viewed as “perpetual foreigners.” He stressed that immigrants play a crucial role in strengthening the country and rejected any form of xenophobic rhetoric. Congresswoman Jayapal accused Trump and the Republicans of resorting to racism and xenophobia as a diversion tactic, warning that such hateful rhetoric could further escalate ‘anti-Asian’ hate incidents.
The resolution condemns the racist language directed at individuals of Indian and Chinese origin by the President and urges elected officials to refrain from using language that promotes racial or ethnic divisions. It reaffirms the importance of immigrants, including Indian Americans and Chinese Americans, in the fabric of the United States. The text of the resolution also points out the surge in anti-Asian hate online post the 2024 Presidential election and the increase in anti-South Asian rhetoric on social media platforms.
