By: Jayanti Oza

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) has introduced a bipartisan resolution, supported by 256 cosponsors, to designate July as Indian American Heritage Month, recognizing the contributions of generations of Indian Americans to the United States.

The resolution recognizes the estimated 5.2 million Indian Americans living in the country and highlights their contributions across science, medicine, technology, business, public service, the military, education, philanthropy, arts, culture and athletics.

The proposed designation of July commemorates the signing of the Luce-Celler Act by President Harry S. Truman on July 2, 1946. The legislation made people of Indian descent eligible to become naturalized U.S. citizens, marking an important milestone in the history of Indian immigration and citizenship.

“Indian Americans have helped shape this country for generations, from breakthroughs that have saved lives and businesses that have created jobs to lifetimes of service in our military and public office,” Krishnamoorthi said. He noted that the resolution seeks to recognize this legacy and the community’s continuing contributions to American society.

Beyond professional and economic achievements, the resolution also acknowledges the religious and cultural diversity of Indian Americans and their role in shaping the nation’s civic and cultural life.

If adopted, the resolution would establish July as an annual occasion to recognize Indian American heritage and reflect on the community’s contributions to the United States.

The initiative also draws attention to the historical significance of the 1946 Luce-Celler Act, which helped open the path to citizenship for people of Indian origin decades before the major immigration reforms of 1965.