The United States has witnessed a significant increase in immigration from the Indian subcontinent over the past few decades. This relatively recent migration surge has brought a wave of highly competent and educated individuals who have significantly contributed to numerous sectors of American society. Examining the trends and accomplishments of Indian immigrants exposes a remarkable narrative of tenacity, diligence, and economic success.
Historical Context and immigration trends
Before the middle of the 20th century, Indian immigration to the United States was minimal. With new immigration laws in the late 1960s, a substantial increase in Indian immigration began. Before this, during the 1930s, restrictive American immigration policies limited the number to below 500.
The initial surge of Indian immigrants consisted predominantly of Sikhs and Punjabis, many of whom found work in agriculture. However, as the South Asian population grew, their geographical and social origins became more diverse. The 1980 United States census revealed a sizable population of over 387,000 people born in India or with Indian ancestry, with a balanced gender ratio indicating a permanent settlement.
Academic Achievement and Economic Prosperity
Education and occupational attainment play a significant role in the accomplishments of Indian immigrants. In 1980, nearly two-thirds of employed American Indians held a bachelor’s degree, with an average of four years more education than their Caucasian American counterparts. This educational advantage increased family incomes for Indian immigrants, whose median family incomes exceeded white Americans.
The relationship between education and income is especially pronounced among Indian immigrants between 1980 and 1990. Despite their relatively recent immigration to the United States, their median family income exceeded $40,000, compared to around $35,000 for native-born Americans nationally. In addition, those who arrived before 1980 had a median family income of more than $60,000. This prosperity highlights the importance that Indians give to education and their determination to pursue professional careers.
Impact on Science, Technology, and Business
Indian immigrants have significantly contributed to the United States’ science, technology, and business sectors. Thousands of Indian engineers migrated to the United States between the 1970s and 1980s. Many settled in California’s Silicon Valley, where they helped found companies such as Sun Microsystems and contributed to the era’s technological advancements.
In addition, there has been an influx of highly qualified Indian Doctors into the medical field. Over 15,000 Indian physicians had migrated to the United States by the mid-1980s. Anesthesiologists from India accounted for 10 per cent of the total in the nation. Indians have impacted business ownership, with approximately 40 per cent of modest motels in the United States owned by Indians, particularly Gujaratis. Additionally, one-fourth of the Days Inn franchises are owned by Indians.
Influence on Politics and Social Change
While Indian immigrants have accomplished remarkable success in numerous spheres of endeavour, their political influence has been relatively limited. Even though the first American Indian was elected to Congress in 1956, the Indian community has not been a highly active or visible political force. Similarly, despite their size surpassing that of the Korean and Vietnamese communities, Indians have failed to form distinct social divisions.
The history of Indian immigrants in the United States is one of tenacity, determination, and extraordinary accomplishments. High education, professional specialisation, and a strong work ethic contributed to their accomplishments. Indian immigrants have made significant contributions to disciplines such as engineering, medicine, and business, thereby shaping the scientific and entrepreneurial landscape of the United States.
This article is based on the book Conquest and Cultures by Thomas Sowell.
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