By: Dr Avi Verma

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) strongly condemned recent racist attacks following remarks by Florida politician Chandler Langevin, who called for the mass deportation of Indian Americans and mocked Krishnamoorthi’s heritage. Langevin referred to the Congressman as a “foreign occupier,” prompting Krishnamoorthi to reject the hate and reaffirm his American identity.

“I was born in India, raised in Peoria, and elected by the people of Illinois—there is nothing ‘foreign’ about standing up for my fellow Americans,” Krishnamoorthi said. “Hate may be loud, but it will never drown out the values of decency and democracy that unite us.” He warned that such rhetoric creates a climate of fear reminiscent of former President Donald Trump’s mass ICE raids, urging Americans to stand together against all forms of hate.

In a move to foster unity, Krishnamoorthi, along with Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), introduced a bipartisan resolution in Congress honoring Diwali, the Festival of Lights celebrated by millions of Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs in the U.S. “Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil,” he said. Fitzpatrick added that the resolution highlights the Indian-American community’s vital contributions and the enduring belief that light will always conquer darkness.

Krishnamoorthi’s actions underscore his commitment to protecting democracy, promoting cross-cultural understanding, and ensuring every individual can live free from fear and discrimination.

About Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi: He represents Illinois’ 8th Congressional District and serves as Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. He advocates for immigrant rights, religious freedom, and U.S.-India relations.