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Indian Americans, while wealthy and educated, have a poor record of political participation. Few vote in general elections, many are not even registered to vote. The major obstacle is citizenship; while many are eligible, few bother to enter the naturalization process. It is difficult to imagine the community becoming an influential force in American politics if a majority of the community cannot fulfill the most basic of civic responsibilities. Where Indian Americans have become involved, it is often with limited or no agenda; most fail to hold their elected representatives accountable, treating officials like celebrities rather than public servants. Needless to say, much will need to be done in order for the community to be truly effective.

History A Brief History ) Population Percentage of Asian pop. Residential Distribution Top 10 Populous States Top 5 Populous Cities Age, Sex Characteristics Immigration Immigration ) Immigration ) Income, Education, & Occupation Household Income Mean Wage & Salary Educational Attainment Occupational Distribution Poverty Statistics Political Participation Citizenship Voter Reg. & Turnout Campaign Contributions

Citizenship In order to exercise the most basic democratic right of voting, one must first become a citizen. In the Indian American community, 75% are foreign born; only one third of them have become naturalized citizens. Of those who have not naturalized, more than half are eligible.