A staunch supporter of the desi community.
By Deepak Chitnis
WASHINGTON, DC: New York Democratic Congressman Joe Crowley, a long-time friend and supporter of the Indian American community in the US, was honored by that very demographic in Jackson Heights and broader Queens area on January 30.
Specifically, Crowley was lauded for his efforts in lobbying the FBI to create a federal database that would register and track hate crimes against Sikhs and Hindus, as well as for his persistence in trying to get India added to the United Nations Security Council, which he said he would be “focusing [his] efforts” on.
Furthermore, Crowley was a key lawmaker behind getting Diwali celebrated on Capitol Hill for the first time last year, and spoke at that event on November 1. He is also leading the charge to get the US military to lift its ban on religious articles that it feels promotes disunity in its ranks – specifically, Sikh turbans and long beards. Crowley and Sikhs say that such regulations go against America, and prevent perfectly willing and capable men from serving their own country.
“The Indian-American community is an integral part of Queens and our city, contributing to our economic success and enriching our culture,” said Crowley at the ceremony at which he was honored. “I am proud to have fought for and won concrete victories on behalf of the community and I will continue to do so.”
The event was attended by nearly 100 Indian American and Sikh community leaders in the greater Queens and New York City area, affirming the widespread support that Crowley has among the community.
A native New Yorker, Crowley attended Queens College in New York City as an undergrad. He joined the New York Assembly when he was just 24, and is now an eight-term veteran of the House of Representatives. Crowley is currently the co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans in the US House of Representatives, along with Republican Rep. Peter Roskam of Illinois.
To contact the author, email to deepakchitnis@americanbazaaronline.com