The “Harris effect” has been cited as a turning point in increasing the South Asian community’s voter turnout this election season; however, why does that matter? Approximately 5.4 million South Asians live in the United States. The South Asian community is composed of people whose ethnic origins stem from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and/or the Maldives. This diaspora is intrinsically diverse, with thousands of spoken languages and several religious practices. In the United States, South Asians hold an important role in the macroeconomic and social arena. With over 75% of South Asians in America being immigrants, immigration is a key issue for this community this election. Despite this, the South Asian community h

as been ignored when it comes to broader social and political issues. However, the South Asian vote will be essential in this upcoming election as the number of South Asian voters has drastically increased in key battleground states. 

South Asians were not eligible for naturalization until 1946 and anti-Asiatic sentiments still dissuaded South Asians from migrating to the United States. The 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act finally permitted the migration and naturalization of South Asians without quotas, forever altering the racial demographics of the United States. The South Asian community is an example of a large demographic, with a rich and complex history within the United States, but are often overlooked during election season. However, the 2024 election is not just about identity politics. Many important issues that affect the South Asian community are on the ballot this election, making it necessary for candidates to appeal to not just the Asian American community but the South Asian community as well. This distinction is essential to understand as the South Asian community is often ostracized from the broader discussions of the Asian American community. Furthermore, the South Asian community also prioritizes political issues distinct from the Asian American community. 

Issues important to the South Asian community range in various categories. For instance, immigration and access to H-1B visas, a visa based on employment-based legal immigration, are critical to South Asian immigrants and families. Health resources and research are also another important issue for South Asian Americans, as they are more susceptible to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and mental health issues when compared to other ethnicities. Student debt relief and access to higher education are also important issues for South Asian students, many of whom are first generation students–including myself. Other issues also include support for small businesses and protections against hate crimes. 

There are many notable moments in election history where the mobilization of the South Asian community has helped political candidates win. For instance, in the 2021 US Senate runoff elections in Georgia, grassroots efforts to mobilize the South Asian proved to be contributed to Senator Raphael Warnock winning the election and is being mobilized again by Kamala Harris. Currently, there are 400,000 South Asian voters in battleground states. Furthermore, another 235,000 naturalized South Asian citizens will be able to vote this November–making them a considerable community that should be mobilized to vote. To put that into perspective, Biden won key battleground states like Georgia by 12,670 votes, Michigan by 154,188 votes, and Pennsylvania by 81,660 votes. Appealing to South Asian voters, through addressing key issues, can help determine whether or not Harris or Trump will win this election–and it all depends on their policy issues. In terms of immigration, education, and healthcare access, Kamala Harris’s platform seems more inclusive for South Asians. However, there are also many South Asian business owners who feel that Trump provides a better economic policy than Harris and have turned to supporting the Republican party. 

As a growing, diverse, and vital community in the United States, South Asian Americans should no longer be overlooked by political parties and candidates. Immigration reform, healthcare access, racial justice, and economic opportunity are just a few of the issues on the ballot that directly affect the community. This election is pivotal for South Asian representation in politics. The South Asian community, candidates, and political parties all need to take an active role in ensuring the protection and support of the South Asian community. After all, this election may be determined by the South Asian voters in battleground states.