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The figures are based on the bureau’s 2025 American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year estimates and its detailed Asian-group data. The number of people identifying as Indian American alone increased by more than 315,000 between 2024 and 2025.

The 2025 estimate carries a margin of error of approximately 77,000, reflecting the statistical uncertainty associated with the survey.

India also remained the second-largest country of birth among immigrants living in the United States, after Mexico, according to the Census estimates.

The latest figures highlight the continued growth of the Indian American community, which has become a significant part of the country’s demographic landscape. The population includes people of Indian origin across a wide range of professions, businesses, educational institutions and communities throughout the United States.

The American Community Survey provides annual demographic and social data on the US population. Its estimates help track population characteristics, including ancestry, country of birth and the size of different communities.

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Manisha Bhatt, a resident of Manville, New Jersey, is bringing her professional expertise and community involvement into local politics as she seeks a position on the Manville Borough Council. A mother of two and an experienced research, development, engineering and technology professional, Bhatt is building her campaign around practical solutions to issues affecting local households.

Having spent considerable time in the community, she says she understands the pressures families face, from managing careers and parenting responsibilities to coping with increasing living expenses. She believes her professional experience has equipped her with skills that can contribute to effective local administration. Her work in engineering and technology has involved analyzing information, planning carefully and developing solutions based on facts rather than assumptions.

Bhatt’s commitment to public service also extends beyond her career. She serves as a trustee of the AARC, an organization involved in civic education for adults and new immigrants, disaster relief and essential community support. She has additionally held the position of vice president of its Women’s Wing.

If elected, Bhatt plans to prioritize financial affordability, infrastructure improvements and public safety. Her agenda includes exploring ways to stabilize property taxes, helping working families manage expenses, addressing recurring flooding concerns and strengthening essential infrastructure. She also supports responsible development that creates economic opportunities without compromising the character of established neighborhoods.

Expanding community services to better serve residents is another important part of her campaign. Bhatt believes successful local leadership requires listening to people, respecting taxpayers and responding to their concerns with achievable solutions.

Through her candidacy, she aims to combine her technical background and community experience to address Manville’s needs, with a focus on affordability, sustainable development and improved public services.

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Former US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has joined the campaign of Indian American Democratic candidate Pia Dandiya in Florida’s 22nd Congressional District, where she is facing Republican challenger Casey Askar in a closely contested race ahead of the November 3 election.

Buttigieg joined Dandiya at a campaign canvassing launch in Plantation, Florida, as Democrats intensify efforts to win competitive congressional seats. Buttigieg, who is considered a potential Democratic presidential contender in 2028, has been campaigning for party candidates in key races across the country.

The contest has drawn increased attention following a recent poll showing Dandiya narrowly ahead of Askar. The survey, released October 25, found that 46.3 percent of respondents supported Dandiya, compared with 45.5 percent for her Republican opponent.

Sponsored by the super PAC A Fight Worth Having and conducted by RedBox Research from October 20 to 23, the poll surveyed 550 likely voters. Its margin of error was 5.1 percentage points, placing the candidates in a statistical tie.

The survey indicated that Dandiya had a substantial advantage among independent voters, receiving 56.8 percent support compared with 24.9 percent for Askar. Men also favored the Democratic candidate, while women narrowly backed the Republican challenger.

The race has become increasingly competitive, with the Cook Political Report revising its assessment from Lean Republican to Toss-up. However, Decision Desk HQ’s forecast model gave Askar a 58 percent chance of winning as of October 23.

Campaign finances present another challenge for Dandiya. Askar reported nearly $1.9 million in cash on hand as of October 14, compared with approximately $735,000 for Dandiya. The businessman has also lent his campaign about $6.7 million during the election cycle, of which $400,000 had been repaid.

Outside spending has added to the intensity of the contest. No Going Back PAC, funded by MAGA Inc., reported spending approximately $6.5 million opposing Dandiya. Meanwhile, House Majority PAC reported spending $7.84 million against Askar, according to Federal Election Commission filings cited in media reports.

Dandiya, a former educator and technology executive, is receiving support through the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s Red to Blue program, which assists Democratic candidates competing in closely contested districts.

Florida’s 22nd Congressional District has historically favored Democrats, but redistricting by state lawmakers reshaped the constituency to give Republicans an estimated advantage of approximately 38,500 voters. Around 55 percent of voters in the revised district supported President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

The district’s Democratic incumbent, Lois Frankel, decided not to seek reelection, leaving an open seat that both parties view as an important opportunity in the congressional contest.

With early voting in Florida continuing through October 31, both campaigns are working to mobilize supporters and persuade undecided voters. Buttigieg’s appearance adds national political visibility to Dandiya’s campaign as Democrats seek to overcome the district’s Republican-leaning electoral map and financial challenges.

The outcome could offer an indication of how competitive suburban congressional districts remain as candidates from both parties seek to shape the balance of power in Washington.

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Indian American entrepreneur and philanthropist Monte Ahuja and his family have donated $10 million to Cleveland State University (CSU) to strengthen business education, expand student financial assistance and enhance training in artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship.

The contribution will support a comprehensive effort to modernize undergraduate and graduate business programs, develop technology-focused learning environments and expand partnerships with corporate organizations. The university aims to provide its approximately 2,200 business students with greater opportunities for hands-on experience and prepare them for an increasingly technology-driven job market.

As part of the initiative, CSU’s Board of Trustees will consider a proposal to rename the Monte Ahuja College of Business as the Ahuja College of Business and Entrepreneurship. The family has also committed $100,000 annually to recognize faculty members for their research, mentorship and academic achievements.

According to the university, the latest contribution makes the Ahuja family and the Ahuja Foundation the largest lifetime donors in Cleveland State University’s history.

Ahuja’s journey from India to becoming a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist reflects his longstanding connection with education and business development. He arrived in the United States from India in 1969 with $12 and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Punjab Engineering College.

He subsequently earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Cleveland State University in 1975.

While studying at CSU, Ahuja developed the business plan for Transtar Industries, which he founded in 1975. The company grew into a major global distributor of automotive transmission and drivetrain parts. He currently serves as chairman and chief executive officer of MURA Holdings, a private investment company.

The family’s latest donation builds on decades of support for Cleveland State University. In 2011, Ahuja and his wife, Usha, contributed $10 million to the university, resulting in the business college being named the Monte Ahuja College of Business.

The Ahuja Endowed Scholarship Fund, established in 1992, has provided scholarships to more than 1,500 students, helping expand access to higher education.

Reflecting on his connection with the university, Ahuja said his experience as a CSU student played an instrumental role in shaping his career. He expressed the family’s desire to help future generations of students gain similarly transformative opportunities and prepare to lead businesses in Northeast Ohio and beyond.

CSU President Laura Bloomberg said the contribution would help the university prepare students for a rapidly changing business landscape increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

The investment is expected to strengthen the university’s focus on practical learning, innovation, faculty excellence and industry collaboration. By expanding educational opportunities and financial support, the Ahuja family’s contribution aims to help students develop the skills needed to succeed in modern business and entrepreneurship.

The donation further underscores the family’s commitment to education and its enduring ties to Cleveland State University, where Ahuja’s own academic experience helped lay the foundation for his entrepreneurial success.

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom has reappointed Ram Vaderhobli of Belmont to the Dental Board of California and Sridevi Ponnala of Fremont to the Dental Hygiene Board of California, reaffirming the roles of two experienced dental professionals in the state’s healthcare regulatory system.

The reappointments, announced by the Governor’s office, recognize the professional experience of both individuals in dental education, clinical practice, healthcare administration and community health services.

Vaderhobli has served on the Dental Board of California since 2025. He is a clinical professor of preventive and restorative dental sciences at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry, where he has held the position since 2020. He has also directed the university’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry program since 2010.

His career at UCSF has included several academic and clinical leadership positions, including health sciences assistant clinical professor, health sciences associate clinical professor and clinical director for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing.

Between 2011 and 2015, Vaderhobli served as California regional assistant director for the Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program at Lutheran Medical Center. He also completed a residency in advanced education in general dentistry at the University of Rochester’s Eastman Institute for Oral Health.

Earlier in his career, he worked as a research specialist and guest scientist at the American Dental Association’s Paffenbarger Research Center and as a research assistant at Alfred University.

Vaderhobli holds a Master of Science degree in biomaterials engineering from Alfred University and a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from R.V. Dental College in India. He is registered without party preference.

Ponnala has served on the Dental Hygiene Board of California since 2023. She is chief integration officer at Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center, a position she has held since 2021. Before assuming the role, she served in other leadership positions at the organization, including chief dental officer and dental director.

Her professional experience also includes academic and clinical leadership. She served as adjunct faculty in the Chabot Hygiene Program at the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District from 2016 to 2019. Earlier, she was clinical director at the Native American Health Center from 2007 to 2010.

Ponnala earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the UCSF School of Dentistry, a Master of Business Administration degree from California State University, East Bay, and a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from M.R. Ambedkar Dental College in India.

The appointments highlight the continued involvement of experienced dental professionals in California’s regulatory and public healthcare institutions. The Dental Board of California oversees the regulation of dentistry in the state, while the Dental Hygiene Board of California is responsible for licensing and regulating dental hygienists.

Through their respective roles, Vaderhobli and Ponnala bring backgrounds spanning dental education, clinical services, professional training and healthcare administration to boards that play an important part in maintaining standards across California’s oral healthcare sector.

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Indian-American Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal is seeking a sixth term representing Washington’s 7th Congressional District in the 2026 US midterm elections. She will face Republican nominee Nirav Sheth in a contest between two Indian-born candidates.

Jayapal secured 84.7 per cent of the vote in Washington’s August primary. Her campaign focuses on immigration reform, healthcare access, affordable housing and workers’ rights. She was the first Indian-American woman elected to the US House of Representatives and previously chaired the Congressional Progressive Caucus. She currently serves on the House Judiciary, Foreign Affairs and Budget committees.

Born in Chennai on September 21, 1965, Jayapal moved to the United States at 16 after spending much of her childhood in Indonesia and Singapore. She earned degrees from Georgetown University and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Before entering politics, she worked in global health and development and founded OneAmerica, an immigrant advocacy organisation in Washington state. She served in the Washington State Senate from 2015 to 2017 before winning a seat in Congress in 2016.

Healthcare reform remains central to her political agenda. A prominent supporter of Medicare for All, Jayapal advocates publicly funded healthcare and greater oversight of investment firms that own healthcare providers. She also supports affordable housing, LGBTQ+ rights and expanded access to higher education, including tuition-free public college options for eligible families.

Immigration policy is another major focus. Drawing on her experience of waiting 17 years to become a US citizen, she supports a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, protections for immigrant families and greater accountability in immigration enforcement.

On economic issues, Jayapal advocates a $15 federal minimum wage, stronger workers’ rights and protections for students and consumers. She has also criticised the Trump administration’s tariffs, arguing that they increase costs for American households and businesses.

In foreign policy, Jayapal has opposed US military action against Iran, questioning its constitutional basis and highlighting its financial impact on American families. She has also called for stronger regulation of artificial intelligence, particularly concerning data privacy, workplace surveillance and the concentration of power among major technology companies.

Jayapal has faced criticism over remarks concerning the Israel-Palestine conflict. In 2023, she described Israel as a “racist state” before clarifying that her criticism concerned the policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. She later apologised. That year, she also faced criticism over remarks concerning reports of sexual violence during the October 7 Hamas attacks and subsequently condemned Hamas’ use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon.

Her comments on India’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls also drew a response from Indian officials. Jayapal expressed concern about reported voter-list deletions and their potential impact on voting rights. India’s Ministry of External Affairs criticised her remarks as unwarranted and uninformed, while the Election Commission of India said the revision was intended to remove duplicate, deceased and ineligible voters.

As the midterm elections approach, Jayapal’s campaign centres on healthcare, immigration, housing, labour protections and corporate accountability. Her contest with Sheth will determine who represents Washington’s 7th Congressional District in the next congressional term.

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More than 10,000 people from across the San Francisco Bay Area gathered in downtown San Jose for a vibrant Diwali celebration that showcased Indian culture, music, dance, cuisine and community spirit. Organized by the Association of Indo Americans (AIA) and Bolly 92.3 FM, the day-long carnival brought together families, business owners, cultural performers and visitors from diverse backgrounds.

The celebration transformed downtown San Jose into a lively gathering place, featuring traditional and contemporary Indian entertainment, food stalls, shopping opportunities and family-friendly activities. The strong turnout reflected the growing popularity of Diwali celebrations across the Bay Area and their role in bringing communities together.

Among the prominent attendees were San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, Indian Consul General in San Francisco Satish Sivan, Santa Clara County Supervisor Betty Duong, Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan and Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein. Representatives from the offices of Congressmen Ro Khanna and Sam Liccardo, along with San Jose city councilmembers and other local officials, also participated.

San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph and Sunnyvale City Councilmember Murali Srinivasan, along with Santa Clara City Councilmember Raj Chahal, were also among those present.

The dignitaries participated in traditional lamp-lighting ceremonies and extended Diwali greetings, emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity, inclusion and community harmony. Their participation underscored the festival’s significance as a celebration that reaches beyond religious and cultural boundaries.

Singer Abby V emerged as one of the event’s major attractions, drawing enthusiastic responses from the audience with a live musical performance. He performed several popular songs, including his own track featured in the film Kantara, which helped expand his recognition among music audiences. His performance kept the crowd engaged well into the evening.

The carnival also featured a variety of traditional and contemporary Indian dance performances, highlighting the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. Bollywood sing-alongs and Tambola games added to the festive atmosphere, giving attendees opportunities to participate in the celebrations.

Food stalls served a range of Indian dishes and other popular favorites, while vendors and local businesses displayed their products and services at a shopping festival and marketplace. A dedicated children’s zone offered activities and entertainment for younger visitors, making the event a family-oriented celebration.

The gathering demonstrated Diwali’s growing appeal beyond the Indian American community, attracting people from different backgrounds to celebrate the Festival of Lights. The event provided a platform for cultural exchange, community engagement and support for local businesses.

Diwali, widely associated with the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, carries messages of hope, peace and prosperity. Through its combination of cultural performances, community participation and festive activities, the San Jose carnival reflected these enduring themes while celebrating the contributions of the Indian American community to the Bay Area’s multicultural identity.

The large turnout highlighted the continuing importance of public cultural festivals in strengthening community connections and sharing traditions with wider audiences. Organizers presented the celebration as an opportunity for people of diverse backgrounds to come together and experience the spirit of Diwali.

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A bipartisan initiative in the U.S. House of Representatives is calling for July to be recognized as Indian American Heritage Month. Led by Indian-origin Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, the proposed resolution has attracted 256 cosponsors and aims to celebrate the achievements and lasting influence of Indian Americans across the nation.

Introduced during the second session of the 119th Congress, the measure has been referred to a House committee for consideration, according to a statement released by Krishnamoorthi’s office. It highlights the contributions of more than 5.2 million Indian Americans, drawing on figures published by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2023.

The proposed observance commemorates a landmark in American history: July 2, 1946, when President Harry S. Truman signed the Luce-Celler Act. The legislation made people of Indian descent eligible for naturalized U.S. citizenship, representing an important step toward greater inclusion.

The resolution recognizes Indian Americans’ achievements across science, medicine, technology, business, education, journalism, public service, philanthropy and the arts. It specifically acknowledges their involvement in biomedical research, space exploration, artificial intelligence, computing and telecommunications, alongside contributions to economic growth and educational advancement.

The proposal also celebrates Indian Americans who have served in government and every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Their religious diversity, cultural traditions and accomplishments in music, cinema, television, cuisine and sports receive recognition as well. The measure further highlights efforts to share India’s varied linguistic, regional and cultural heritage with American society.

Krishnamoorthi said the initiative would recognize the community’s historical contributions and continuing role in shaping the country. If adopted, the resolution would formally express the House’s support for designating July as Indian American Heritage Month, creating an annual opportunity to celebrate the community’s history, diversity and achievements.

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