U.S. Representative Ami Bera condemned President Trump’s recent remarks about Indian immigrants, emphasizing the contributions of immigrant families to American society.
U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), the longest-serving Indian American in Congress, issued a statement today in response to President Donald Trump’s recent post on Truth Social, which criticized Indian immigrants and referred to India as a “hellhole.”
Trump’s post included a video clip from radio host Michael Savage, which sparked significant backlash for its derogatory comments about birthright citizenship and its negative portrayal of India and China. This controversy touches on the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born in the U.S. Trump has expressed opposition to this policy, although courts, including the Supreme Court, have shown reluctance to revisit it.
The debate highlights the considerable economic impact of Indian Americans, who constitute approximately 1.5% of the U.S. population yet hold significant roles in technology, business, and other high-income professions.
Bera’s statement reflected his pride in his heritage and the opportunities afforded to his family. “As the son of immigrants from India, I take great pride in both my heritage and in the country that gave my family the opportunity to build a better life,” he stated. “My parents came to the United States legally in search of that opportunity. My mother spent 35 years working as a public school teacher, while my father worked as an engineer. They raised my brothers and me with a deep belief in hard work, public service, and giving back to the country that welcomed them.”
He continued, “I am a product of that American story. I attended California’s public schools from kindergarten through medical school, became a doctor, and now have the privilege of serving our nation in Congress. That is what the American Dream looks like.”
Bera characterized Trump’s comments as “offensive, ignorant, and beneath the dignity of the office he holds.” He argued that such remarks reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of the nation’s identity. “America has always been strengthened by generations of immigrants who come here, work hard, and contribute to our country. They do not weaken America — they strengthen it,” he asserted.
He elaborated on the immigrant experience, stating, “America was built by people from all over the world who believed in its promise and worked tirelessly to make it better for the next generation. That’s the story of my family, and it’s the story of millions of families across this country.”
Bera also criticized Trump’s background, suggesting that the former president, born into wealth and privilege, lacks an understanding of the struggles faced by immigrant families. “He does not understand the grit, sacrifice, and determination it takes to build a life from the ground up. He does not understand public service, and he does not understand the values that make America the greatest nation in the world,” Bera stated.
In conclusion, Bera reaffirmed the importance of immigration to the nation’s strength, declaring, “We are a nation of immigrants, and we are stronger because of it.”
According to India Currents, Bera’s remarks come at a time when discussions about immigration and citizenship are increasingly prominent in American political discourse.