siliconindia | | June 20159programs. Naturally, richer people tend to lean towards GOP, while democrats make more appeal to middle class and poor.The perception goes that Democratic Party is more heterogeneous in terms of racial and ethnic representation while Republican Party represents supremacy of whites and Christianity. After Caucasians, Blacks and Hispanics form the 2 largest minority blocks. A Pew Research Center's survey carried out in 2012 revealed that 31 percent of Latino immigrants who were neither US citizens, nor legal permanent residents (therefore likely illegal immigrants) identified themselves as Democrats and merely 4 percent as Republicans. According to National Election Pool, in 2012 Presidential elections, 71 percent of Latino voters favored Barack Obama, compared to 27 percent favoring Republican candidate Mitt Romney. Similarly, a post-election survey carried out by Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) revealed that more than 2/3 Asian Americans voted for Democratic candidate Barack Obama. According to the survey, 88 percent of American Indians voted for Obama. Indian diaspora in USAComprising close to 1 percent of the total US population, Asian Indians are a relatively successful class in USA. The average median household income of an Asian Indian is approximately 88,000 USD compared to an average US median household income of 50,000 USD. According to Pew research, their educational attainment is also higher than the national average (32 percent bachelor degree holders compared to the average 18 percent). Marriage rates are also higher in Indians settled in USA: 71 percent adults married compared to 51 percent US adults. Inter-racial (Ethnic) marriages in Indians are very uncommon, with 86 percent of Indians marrying among Indians only. Far greater numbers of Indians attach significance to family values than the average public in USA. Thus, Indians tend to be more traditional in their outlook in terms of family values, marriage and abortions. But, let us look at the major determining factor that draws Indians to USA. This is explained by the notion that USA would give you the freedom and environment to attain success! Coming from a country where Nehruvian socialism has ruled the roost (and still continues with half-hearted economic liberalization), killing potential and innovation and leading to incessant corruption and babudom, Indians have made true use of the opportunity to succeed in their newfound home. USA provides them the fertile ground where enterprising attitude, hard work and merit matter more than connections and favors. Given all this, it is perplexing that when it comes to choosing a political ideology, Indian Americans tend to side with Democrats. Indians--given their virtues and values--should be natural ally to Republicans!Why Indians continue to favor or lean towards Democrats? Is race a dominating factor? Agreed that Republicans carry a perception of white supremacy, but have Indians been subjected to a significant racial discrimination in USA? No! Similarly, over emphasis of Christianity in Republican conduct may also be offsetting for Indians. Two prominent Republicans--Governor Bobby Jindal (Louisiana State) and Governor Nikki Randhawa Haley (South Carolina State) have not been much of an inspiration for Indians. Both chose to embrace Christianity and have thrived upon support from Tea Party movement (consisting of conservative republican supporters). Both the leaders have maintained a calculated distance from a small but influential Indian diaspora. In comparison, look at Tulsi Gabbard! She is a Democrat Congressman from Hawaii and has become a darling of Indian diaspora. Or is it that Indians just become pro-democrats because that is the trend! A stereotype! I would tend to agree with this. As in India, BJP is largely considered untouchable by a particular community; similarly Indians without carrying too much conviction tend to treat Republican Party as a pariah. Republicans' concentration in so called Bible-belt and lesser presence in larger metropolis also mean a psychological distance for immigrant populations.Republicans must also analyze as to why the party has not been able to attract immigrant populations. They must try to be more inclusive.Dr. Munish Kumar Raizada
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