Indian American community Gain Political Influence in US

The upcoming US election has brought the Indian American community to the forefront of American politics. With Kamala Harris, a woman of Indian descent, running as the Democratic presidential nominee and Usha Vance, wife of JD Vance, Donald Trump's running mate, standing by her husband at the Republican National Convention, this election marks a historical moment. Regardless of the outcome, an Indian American woman will either become the next President or the Second Lady of the United States.

This significant development highlights the growing political influence of the Indian American community, a small but influential group that makes up 1.5 percent of the US population. They are the largest and most politically active segment among Asian Americans and hold more than 4.4 percent of senior government positions.

Beyond their well-known contributions to the tech industry, the Indian American community's political influence is expanding, particularly among Indian American farmers. This lesser-known but increasingly important group represents a vital segment of the American economy and has become a target for both major political parties.

Yuba City, California, hosts one of the most notable Indian American farming communities. For over a century, Indian American farmers in this region have been instrumental in the agricultural landscape, contributing to the state's peach and prune production.

Immigrants from Punjab arrived in Yuba City as farm laborers in the early 1900s, forming the roots of this community. Over the years, they have thrived into a successful community of farmers, business owners, and professionals.

Tejinder Singh Dosanjh, a farmer in Yuba City, explained that almonds, walnuts, peaches, and prunes are major crops for the community. Sarabjeet Singh Thiara, another farmer, highlighted the historical significance of Indian immigrants who often traveled to Mexico, married local women, gained US citizenship, and then moved to California to settle.

Emphasizing the transformative role of Indian American farmers, Thiara noted their significant impact since their arrival.

In Yuba City, American farmer Jeffery Flinn attests to the strong community ties, saying, "I have two Sikh neighbors. We live together, help each other out, and get along like any neighbors would."