Indian-American Congressman Calls for Action Against Surge in Online Hate Targeting South Asians
Washington — Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has called on political leaders from both parties to confront racism following a study reporting a sharp increase in hateful social media posts targeting South Asians in the United States.
The Illinois Democrat responded to research by the Center for the Study of Organized Hate, which reported a 240% increase in monthly anti-South Asian hate posts on X.
According to Krishnamoorthi’s office, the study identified approximately 542,360 hateful posts targeting South Asians over an 18-month period. About 45% of the posts portrayed South Asians as invaders, job thieves or a demographic threat.
“The 240 per cent surge in monthly anti-South Asian hate on X did not come out of nowhere,” Krishnamoorthi said.
The congressman accused political figures and the Trump administration of contributing to hostility toward the community through their rhetoric.
“We have watched politicians demonise South Asians over something as ordinary as attending a college football game and the Trump Administration traffic in racist stereotypes targeting people named Singh.”
He urged Americans and political leaders to challenge discriminatory rhetoric regardless of party affiliation.
“Americans of every background, and leaders of both parties, need to speak out against racism and xenophobia wherever they appear.”
Krishnamoorthi also emphasized the contributions of South Asian Americans and their place in American society.
“South Asian Americans are as much a part of the fabric of America as anyone else, and no amount of hate can erase the contributions we have made to this country.”
The study, titled The Rising Tide of Anti-South Asian Hate in the United States, identified immigration politics, economic resentment, political rhetoric and the amplification of hateful content online as factors associated with the increase, according to the congressman’s office.
The findings reflect online activity rather than physical attacks, reported hate crimes or the number of individuals affected.
South Asian Americans represent diverse national, linguistic and religious communities, including people of Indian origin.
Krishnamoorthi represents Illinois’ 8th Congressional District in the US House of Representatives and is among the Indian-American lawmakers serving in Congress. (Source: IANS)
