Subcontinental Divide: Asian Indians and Asian American Politics

As a group, Asian Indians exhibit high sociodemographic and English proficiency levels, traits commonly associated with high levels of political participation. Recently, they have even begun to field a number of viable political candidates and to donate large sums of money to federal campaigns. Despite bearing all the traits of a coveted political group, we know little about their political behavior or their role within the Asian American group. Our examination of campaign finance records sheds some light on this political entity and adds to the intrigue that they may soon become a significant political force. Whether this force will emerge as part of a larger Asian American movement or on the margins of the broader group is less clear.