256 US Lawmakers Back July As Indian-American Heritage Month Amid Rising Racism

A bipartisan group of 256 US lawmakers, representing more than half of the House of Representatives, has backed a resolution introduced by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi to recognise July as Indian-American Heritage Month. Introduced on Monday, October 26, the measure seeks to honour the community's contributions amid rising anti-Indian American rhetoric ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

The resolution celebrates Indian-Americans' achievements in science, medicine, biomedical research, space exploration, artificial intelligence, computing, telecommunications, business, education, public service, the military, arts and culture. It also recognises their contributions to journalism, literature, entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

“Indian Americans have helped shape this country for generations, from breakthroughs that have saved lives and businesses that have created jobs to lifetimes of service in our military and public office,” Krishnamoorthi said.

The proposed heritage month would commemorate the signing of the Luce-Celler Act on July 2, 1946, by then-US President Harry S. Truman. The legislation made people of Indian descent eligible for naturalisation as American citizens, marking a significant milestone in the community's history.

Citing US Census Bureau estimates published in 2023, the resolution notes that more than 5.2 million Indian-Americans live in the United States. It also recognises their cultural heritage, which traces its origins to a civilisation spanning more than 5,000 years, and their religious diversity. The measure acknowledges Indian-Americans serving in every branch of the US Armed Forces and in federal, state and local government.

The initiative comes amid concerns over racism and threats against the community. Earlier this month, 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis was arrested over an alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting potentially targeting a Hindu place of worship in Aurora, Illinois. Krishnamoorthi and his family were worshipping at the temple when the alleged threat emerged. Police said investigators found weapons, ammunition and a tactical vest bearing white supremacist imagery. The suspect faces charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawful weapons possession.

A Carnegie Endowment for International Peace survey found that 48 per cent of Indian-American respondents encountered racist online posts very or somewhat often since the beginning of 2025, while one in four reported being called a slur.