Resolution calls on the President to tone down inflammatory rhetoric
Washington, DC: In the wake of recent attacks on South Asians, vandalism at Jewish centers and a rise in hate fueled violence across the nation, Rep. Pramila Jayapal and House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley introduced H.R. 192 in the House this Friday. The resolution urges the Department of Justice to investigate these attacks as hate crimes. The lawmakers also expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of victims of hate crime throughout the United States.
“This resolution is an act of resistance to Donald Trump’s hateful vilification and ‘otherizing’ of immigrants and communities of color,” said Rep. Jayapal. “Acts of violence rooted in racism have spiked since his campaign. From day one, Trump has used fringe extremist rhetoric to paint immigrant communities as criminals and terrorists, spurring senseless acts of violence that have no place in America. The DOJ must act, because no one should have to live in fear of racism-fueled violence.”
“What we see today is violence against those perceived to be foreign and a slew of anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies coming out of the White House. That toxic mix is causing a palpable level of fear in the Indian-American and broader South Asian community. I’m committed to doing anything within my power to stop these acts of violence,” said Chairman Crowley.
On February 22, Srinivas Kuchibhotla was fatally shot at a local bar in Olathe, Kansas by a patron who reportedly shouted, “Get out of my country,” before opening fire. Two others were injured in the shooting. On March 3, a Sikh-American was shot and injured in Kent, Washington by a gunman who reportedly told him to “Go back to your own country.” South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) reports that levels of xenophobic rhetoric by political figures and hate violence aimed at South Asian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu and Middle Eastern communities rose more than 30 percent in 2016 compared with a combined three-year period between 2011-2014.
Sanjay Puri of USINPAC said, “We support Rep. Jayapal on introducing H.R. 192. We will be closely watching its progress and request the White House to fully support the Department of Justice during this investigation.”
About USINPAC
The US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) is the voice of over 3.2 million Indian- Americans and works on issues that concern the community. It supports candidates for local, state and federal office and encourages political participation by the Indian- American community. Visit www.usinpac.com for more details.