Kamala Harris promises a New Way Forward for South Asian Americans

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has outlined a ‘New Way Forward’ for South Asian Americans promising their integration in the US healthcare system, enacting legislation to combat gun violence and anti-Asian hate crimes and fixing the broken immigration system.

“I believe Americans want a president who works for all the American people. And that has been the story of my entire career,” she wrote in an op-ed in The Juggernaut outlining how her vision will deliver for South Asian Americans.

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“With respect to fixing our broken immigration system, I reject the false choice between securing our border and creating a system of immigration that is orderly and humane” she wrote.

“We can and must do both. The bipartisan border security bill I support does that. It will reduce illegal border crossings through strict enforcement, so that South Asian lives aren’t endangered” Harris wrote. “I will partner with Democrats, Republicans, and independents to ensure we live up to our proud heritage as a nation of immigrants.”

Turning to foreign policy, she wrote, “Our role in the world is also at stake in this election, and I will ensure that we strengthen, not abdicate, our global leadership.”

“As Vice President, I have expanded our relationships with key South Asian partners, including India,” she wrote. “And unlike Trump, who cozies up to tyrants and whose own national security officials have deemed ‘dangerous’ and ‘unfit,’ I will never waver in defending America’s security and ideals.”

“South Asian Americans are often overlooked by our healthcare system, especially when it comes to heart health and diabetes,” Harris wrote vowing to protect the Affordable Care Act and expand Medicare to cover home care for seniors.

“I believe everyone has a right to safety, dignity, and justice. I have helped deliver $15 billion for local law enforcement and public safety initiatives, enact legislation to combat gun violence and anti-Asian hate crimes, and drive violent crime to a 50-year low” she wrote.

Recalling her childhood visits to India nearly every other year for Diwali, she wrote, “as Vice President, it has been my honor to host Diwali celebrations in my home — the Vice President’s Residence. Not only to celebrate the holiday, but to celebrate the rich history, culture, and heritage of the South Asian American diaspora, which is bound together by a shared sense of possibility and belief in the promise of America.”

Harris recalled her grandfather, P.V. Gopalan, a retired civil servant, “teaching me lessons about not just what it means to have a democracy but to keep a democracy.”

“Those lessons first inspired my interest in public service. And they continue to guide me today — as Vice President and as a candidate for President of the United States,” she wrote.

“I believe Americans want a president who works for all the American people. And that has been the story of my entire career. I believe Americans want a president who will fight for all the American people, and I will chart a New Way Forward — one that ensures you can not just get by, but get ahead.”

“My plan will cut taxes for 100 million Americans, crack down on price gouging for groceries, and lower the costs of essentials. I will help small businesses by expanding access to capital and increasing the startup expense deduction from $5,000 to $50,000.” she wrote. “And I will lower the cost of housing. I will build 3 million affordable homes and offer up to $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers.”

Harris also noted that President Joe Biden and she secured record funding to protect temples, gurdwaras, mosques, and other places of worship.

“America is ready for a new generation of leadership. You have the power to turn the page on this divisive era of our politics,” Harris wrote. promising “to be a president for all Americans. “Together, we can start writing the next great chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told,” she wrote seeking South Asian Americans’ vote.