The rise of white Christian nationalism in the United States has significant implications for minority communities, including Indian Americans. This ideology, which intertwines notions of American identity with white and Christian supremacy, has been gaining traction in recent years, contributing to an environment of exclusion, discrimination, and hostility toward non-white and non-Christian groups. As this movement spreads, Indian Americans, one of the fastest-growing immigrant communities in the U.S., may increasingly find themselves under the scanner of racially motivated attacks and systemic discrimination.
White Christian nationalism advocates for a vision of the United States as a nation founded and sustained by white Christians, often sidelining the contributions and rights of other racial, ethnic, and religious groups. Recent surveys, such as one conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), reveal the widespread prevalence of Christian nationalist beliefs across the country. According to the study, nearly 29% of Americans either adhere to or sympathize with Christian nationalist ideas. These individuals are more likely to downplay the existence of white supremacy, deny systemic racism, and support policies that privilege white Christians over other groups.
The escalation of white Christian nationalist sentiments has coincided with a disturbing rise in hate crimes against minorities, including Indian Americans. Data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) highlights a sharp increase in hate crimes motivated by race, ethnicity, and ancestry. In 2021, the FBI reported over 1,100 hate crime incidents involving Asian Americans, a broad category under which Indian Americans are often classified. This figure represents a significant increase from previous years and reflects a growing trend of xenophobia and racial hostility. Moreover, while specific data on anti-Indian hate crimes is limited, there is evidence to suggest that Indian Americans have been targeted in attacks motivated by their ethnicity, religion, or perceived foreignness.
For example, in 2017, an Indian engineer named Srinivas Kuchibhotla was tragically shot and killed in Kansas by a white man who yelled, “Get out of my country!” This high-profile hate crime sent shockwaves through the Indian American community and highlighted the dangers posed by racist ideologies. More recently, in 2022, a woman in Plano, Texas, was caught on video spewing anti-Indian slurs and physically attacking a group of Indian women, exemplifying the pervasive nature of such discrimination. These incidents are not isolated; they are part of a broader pattern of hostility fueled by racial and religious bigotry.
The Indian American community has also been affected by anti-Hindu and anti-Sikh biases. Organizations like the Hindu American Foundation have documented a rise in anti-Hindu hate crimes, including acts of vandalism, verbal abuse, and physical assaults. In one case, a Hindu temple in Kentucky was defaced with hateful graffiti in 2019, underscoring the vulnerability of Indian religious institutions in the U.S. Similarly, Sikh Americans, who are often mistaken for Muslims due to their turbans and beards, have been frequent targets of hate crimes, with some incidents involving fatal violence.
The rise of white Christian nationalism and its associated prejudices have also contributed to a climate of social and political exclusion for Indian Americans. Despite their significant contributions to the U.S. economy and society, many Indian Americans face stereotypes and discrimination that hinder their full integration. A 2020 survey by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace found that nearly half of Indian Americans reported experiencing discrimination in the past year. This discrimination often manifests in subtle ways, such as workplace biases, or more overtly, in hate speech and acts of aggression.
One concerning aspect of white Christian nationalism is its potential to influence public policy in ways that marginalize minority communities. This ideology often fuels opposition to immigration, multiculturalism, and religious diversity—values that are central to the Indian American experience. For instance, during the Trump administration, policies such as the travel ban and changes to the H-1B visa program disproportionately affected Indian professionals and families. While these policies were justified on economic or security grounds, their implementation was often tinged with xenophobic rhetoric that alienated immigrant communities.
Furthermore, the spread of online hate speech has exacerbated the challenges faced by Indian Americans. Reports indicate a steady rise in derogatory comments and misinformation targeting South Asian Americans on social media platforms. During periods of heightened visibility for Indian Americans in politics or culture, such as the election of Vice President Kamala Harris, who has Indian heritage, there has been an uptick in online trolling and harassment. This virtual hate often translates into real-world consequences, as seen in the growing number of hate crimes.
The rise of white Christian nationalism and its associated biases pose a serious threat to the safety, dignity, and rights of Indian Americans. Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach involving policymakers, law enforcement, and civil society. First, federal and state governments must prioritize the enforcement of hate crime laws and ensure that victims receive justice. The FBI’s expanded hate crime tracking system is a step in the right direction, but more resources and training are needed to identify and prosecute these crimes effectively.
Donald Trump, during his presidency and beyond, has been seen by many as both a product and a proponent of this ideology. His rhetoric and policies have often mirrored the exclusionary ideals of white Christian nationalism, from implementing travel bans targeting Muslim-majority countries to framing immigration as a threat to the “American way of life.”
Critics argue that Trump’s statements, such as referring to non-white countries as “sh*thole nations” and defending white nationalist protesters in Charlottesville as “very fine people,” have emboldened hate groups. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the number of hate groups surged during Trump’s presidency, with many of these organizations aligning themselves with white Christian nationalist ideas.
Conversely, Trump’s supporters assert that he is a champion of law and order who denounces racism and protects American values. They argue that his policies, such as criminal justice reforms, demonstrate his commitment to fairness rather than racial division. However, his frequent refusal to explicitly condemn white supremacy, coupled with his inflammatory language, suggests otherwise to many observers.
As Trump positions himself for another potential run in 2024, the question remains: will his leadership curb or accentuate white Christian racism? His track record suggests that his brand of populism and nationalism may further inflame divisions, putting minority communities, including Indian Americans, at greater risk of discrimination and violence. The answer will depend not only on Trump’s actions but also on the broader societal pushback against such ideologies.
The rise of white Christian nationalism in the U.S. is a troubling development with far-reaching consequences for Indian Americans. The increase in hate crimes, social discrimination, and exclusionary policies underscores the urgent need for action to protect minority communities. By fostering understanding, promoting inclusivity, and holding perpetrators accountable, the U.S. can uphold its commitment to diversity and equality, ensuring that all residents, regardless of their background, feel safe and valued.
