ILS-A & A

John Forbes Kerry remains an enigma to Indian Americans, although they certainly respect his leadership, and a majority of them support his candidacy for the American presidency. But what is his perspective of Indian Americans, and where does the community stand in his scheme of things. The Democratic presidential nominee addresses some of these issues in an exclusive Q&A with Sunil Adam.

Q: Over the past five years, the Indian American community has become politically active and has been playing a significant role in both the Democratic and Republican parties. There are, however, trends that indicate Indian Americans’ traditional support for, and loyalty toward, the Democratic Party is gradually eroding as an increasing number of affluent members of the community are turning to the GOP to secure what they perceive as a deserving place in the political arena. In this context, how do you perceive the role and place of the Indian American community in American politics and society, and what measures, if any, will you take as president of the United States and as the leader of the Democratic Party to rally Indian Americans?

A: I believe that Indian Americans are an important community, and that they have made extraordinary contributions to all aspects of American society. It is long past time that Indian Americans be fully represented in the government. Yet, never before have Indian Americans been more involved in Democratic politics than now. The number of South Asian delegates at this year’s Democratic National Convention is significantly larger than at any previous convention serves as an example. In addition, a number of my campaign staffers are of Indian or South Asian descent.

I also believe that the Democratic Party has long been concerned about Indian American interests. In the last 25 years, only President Clinton and President Carter have made visits to India. From issues of civil rights, immigration, or foreign policy, the Indian American community can find in the Democratic Party a strong and common vision.

As president, I will make America safer, stronger and more prosperous. I will nurture the important relationship between the United States and India and make every effort to involve Indian Americans at the highest levels of my administration. I will ensure that the rights of Indian Americans are protected, and would be deeply honored to have your support.

Q: Your policy pronouncements with regard to outsourcing have raised concerns not only in the hi-tech sector in India, but also among a number of Indian American firms in Silicon Valley. Many Indian Americans who support the Democratic Party are wondering if your administration may prove to be detrimental to an economic model that is considered crucial to the long-term interests of the American economy.

A: I have proposed a comprehensive plan to create millions of new, better paying jobs. The long-term interests of the American economy depend on creating the jobs of the future by strengthening America’s commitment to technology and innovation. We must make American businesses more competitive and America a more attractive place to invest. To do this, my plan cuts corporate taxes for 99 percent of corporations, increases loans and equity for small business, and reduces the costs of health care and energy. I will invest in our future to build a high-tech task force for the 21st Century. We must develop our nation’s broadband infrastructure, expand America’s science and engineering workforce, and we must invest in broad-based government research for science and technology.

Q: In the post-9/11 period, a number of policy measures enacted with bipartisan support seem to be working against ethnic minorities who are legitimate immigrants, visitors and students in this country. Will the Kerry administration redress some of the provisions, particularly in the Patriot Act and new immigration policies that negatively affect the South Asian and other minorities?

A: I believe that we can protect our security without sacrificing our freedom. We have seen how John Ashcroft and the Bush Administration are prepared to abuse their authority. I support new checks under the Patriot Act that would protect our security and prevent abuses. Our law enforcement agencies must cease practices that amount to racial profiling.

Today, our immigration system is broken. Our nation needs immigration laws that honor our tradition as a nation of immigrants and that will make America stronger. Within my first 100 days in office, I will introduce immigration reform that allows immigrants who work and pay taxes here to earn legalization, that encourages family reunification, and that protects the human rights of our nation's immigrant workers.

Q: The Bush Administration has a greater number of Indian Americans in its fold as compared to the Clinton Administration, although the latter enjoyed much greater support from the Indian American community. Do you think Indian Americans tend to lose out in the Democratic Party and its administrations given that a greater number of ethnic minorities compete for the spoils?
A: I think Indian Americans are well represented by the principles of the Democratic Party. I strongly believe that Indian Americans have made extraordinary contributions to American society. As president, I will make every effort to involve Indian Americans at the highest levels of my administration, and ensure their rights.