With just over a week until Donald Trump assumes his second term as US President, outgoing US ambassador to India Eric Garcetti underscored the growing prominence of Indian Americans. While expressing regret over Kamala Harris’s electoral defeat, Garcetti remained optimistic, predicting an Indian American President in the near future.
He highlighted the significant contributions of Indian immigrants, who constitute 1.5% of the US population yet pay 6% of the nation’s income taxes. Indian Americans excel in leading universities, states, and global corporations, with some securing key positions in Trump’s administration.
Regarding visa concerns, Garcetti reassured Indians about continued growth in student exchanges, co-investment, and potential green card expansion for H1B holders under Trump’s leadership. However, he acknowledged the issue of unlawful Indian immigrants, citing data that places India as the third-largest source of illegal immigration to the US. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to curb human trafficking.
Garcetti anticipated robust Indo-US engagements, including potential visits by PM Modi to the US and Trump to India within the year. He praised the enduring partnership between the nations, transcending party lines, and called for a collective commitment to strengthening constitutional democracies amidst global anti-incumbency waves.
