The NRI Herald Weekly, Apr 5, 2026

This week, the Indian American community faces a surge of anti-Indian sentiment, especially in Texas, while also celebrating political milestones, academic achievements, and cultural resilience. From mayoral races to visa debates, the stories reflect a community navigating both opportunity and backlash.

Politics & Representation

Indian Americans are stepping into the political spotlight, with candidates running for mayor in Washington D.C. and Congress, while others face scrutiny over campaign tactics. Meanwhile, the community grapples with rising Hinduphobia and anti-Indian hate.

Politics & Representation

Indian American running for Mayor of the nation’s capital

Indian-American congressional candidate cops backlash from both sides for Hindi video | Hindustan Times

Who is Rini Sampath? Indian-American becomes first South Asian candidate to enter Washington DC Mayor race | Hindustan Times

Texas is now 'mini‑India': How a deep-red state became a hotspot for anti-India hate in US

A Nation's Anxieties Find a Zip Code: How a Texas Suburb Became Ground Zero for America's Anti-Indian Backlash

LA Mayor Bass falls behind Nithya Raman in new LA poll

Indian American author Padma Lakshmi backs ‘No Kings’ protests against Trump

'We are not a kingdom': Indian-American author Padma Lakshmi backs 'No Kings' protests against Trump poli

The 3 M’s Of Hinduphobia: Mill, Macaulay and Marx

Visa & Immigration

Viral video targets another Indian American H-1B employer in Texas

Who is Priya Patel? Viral Immigration Video Sparks Backlash, Indian-Origin Influencer Confirms Indian Roots on Piers Morgan ‘Not All Cultures Are Equal’

Four Indian American jurists appointed immigration judges

Indian American judges appointed to U.S. immigration courts

Indian-origin US doctor reacts to Oracle layoff, says every single H-1B should be sent back home

Who is Smita Ghosh? Meet the Indian-American lawyer taking on Trump’s move to end US birthright citizenship

'Immigration is destroying America': TPUSA reporter's video inside Hindu temple in Texas sparks backlash

'If his wife needs help...': Major row over Indian H-1B techie 'working' in food truck in Texas

No rebound for the US as F-1 visa slump deepens

Indian student on F-1 visa deported after admitting to using weed

Community & Culture

‘Not all cultures equal’: Priya Patel calls India ‘third world,’ labels Muslim culture ‘inferior’

Indian dancer and founder Anita Ratnam highlights growing anti-Indian hate in US

‘72-foot tall’: Texas erupts over viral temple video, Indian Americans caught in the crossfire

'Losing Texas values': MAGA frets over American culture as video of Bollywood dance at Texas high school

The University of Iowa Powwow is returning to campus, in spite of state’s anti-DEI push

Gurjit Singh’s killer Rajinder sentenced to 17 years for savage murder that shocked Indian diaspora

NRI Woman Highlights Differences Between US And Indian Government Schools: 'You Will Be Surprised'

Column: Dear Indian community, we are not immune to gun violence

Business & Tech

Sandesh Sharda’s C-Suite journey: Building success with discipline, focus, and a long-term view

AI, robotics, and more: YC W26 Demo Day highlights rising influence of Indian American entrepreneurs

'Life's Pretty Good': NRI Returns To India After Decade Abroad, Launches A Startup And Finds Wife

Legacy Modernization in Global Organizations: The Role of Visualization and Human Insight

Education & Achievement

MIT Provost Anantha Chandrakasan wins Test of Time Award

US Department of Labor announces $76M available to advance employment readiness for American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians

Penn State senior Joshua Mathew earns prestigious international student award

Two Indian American Penn students receive Goldwater Scholarships

24 Indian American students named 2026 National STEM Champions