There are close to 3.4 million (34 Lac) Indian-Americans in USA. In 2012 Presidential elections, it is estimated that there were 1 million Indian-American voters. It is an interesting topic to discuss as to what kind of political affiliations they develop on the adopted soil.

Political Parties in USA

USA has 2 major political parties: Democratic Party and Republican Party. Libertarians are a growing political class that is a mix of the two: Socially liberal and fiscally conservative (hence the maxim: Minimum Government, Maximum Freedom). Like immigrants from other countries, Indians tend to be predominantly Democrats. Pew Research Center says that 65 percent of Indian Americans are Democrats or lean Democrats.

Democratic Party is a left-leaning party with liberal views on social issues, whereas Republicans are typically considered socially and fiscally conservative with a right leaning. Founded in 1824, The Democratic Party lays stress on social justice and government's larger role in various policies and schemes. Given their socialist moorings, Democrats tend to regulate social services (example: universal health care coverage, equal opportunity, labor protection and environment protection). They are inclined to socially liberal values. Hence, they are more accommodative towards gay issues; do not impose bans on abortions (pro-choice) and support same-sex marriage. Democrats are also in favor of tighter gun control laws. Given its philosophy of social justice and inclusivity of people of color, Democratic Party makes a good appeal to the poor and middle class and immigrant populations. President Obama is a Democrat and so were Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, John F Kennedy and Franklin Roosevelt.

Republicans are more conservative in their outlook towards social issues like abortions, marriages and gay rights. They like to say that they believe in Christian values in terms of families and marriages. Thus, they-as a class-are opposed to abortions, same sex marriage and gay rights. Republicans are for more individual liberty and limited influence of government. This also explains their advocacy to keep arms. Republicans have mainly white dominance and immigrants tend to join them less. Founded in 1854, Republican Party is also called Grand Old Party (GOP). Elephant is the traditional mascot of the party, as opposed to donkey representative of Democrats. Democrats are also identified with the color blue compared to color red symbolizing Republican Party. President George H.W. Bush (father) and George W. Bush (son) were Republicans as were Ronald Reagan and Abraham Lincoln.