Indian Americans raise $1.5 million in one event for the Biden-Harris campaign

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President Biden met with Indian Americans in Silicon Valley

Reports of Asian American voters drifting to the right to the right may be misleading.  A group of prominent Indian Americans met President Biden and raised more than $1.5 million for the Biden-Harris reelection campaign.

The Silicon Valley residence of Indian American billionaire and venture capitalist Vinod Khosla, , the co-founder of Sun Microsystems and the founder of Khosla Ventures,, was the venue for a campaign fundraiser and the opportunity to meet the President.

Tickets for the May 10 event  on Friday at the residence of Mr Khosla, the co-founder of Sun Microsystems and the founder of Khosla Ventures, reportedly ranged from $6,600 to $100,000. About 89 people attended the fundraiser.

Biden spoke for about 15 minutes focusing on immigration and women's rights, reports NDTV.

"They (immigrants) have been incredible contributors to the work ethic of this country -- incredible," said Biden, generating applause from the guestss. "One of the reasons why we continue to grow is we are not xenophobic. We have the input of new immigrants coming into the country that should come into the country that are generating economic growth."

The event was the first political fundraiser for either frontrunner hosted by Indian Americans for the 2024 campaign. Biden's visit to Silicon Valley was part of a series of campaign stops throughout the Bay Area, which has historically leaned towards Democratic candidates and policies.

Of the four major Asian American communities, --  Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese -- Indian Americans are the newest immigrant group from Asiabut have grown to become  the second largest group. Wth their numbers and economic clout, they have quickly learned how to impact the US political system as voters and lawmakers. In addition to Kamala Harris as Biden's Vice President, there are ffive Indian Americans in Congress and a score more have been elected at the state level of government. Biden has appointed more than 130 Indian Americans to key positions in his administration, more than any other President. 

Indian American voters overwhelmingly voted for Biden in 2020. Among AANHPI groups, Indian Americans are the most Democrat-leaning communities, about 70% vs. 30% Republican, according to the Pew Research Center. GOP strategigists' have been attempting to chip away at that one-sided support since Indian American and other AANHPI voters could play a vital role in determining the outcome in battlegound states.

“This event is certainly significant, both for President Biden, and for the Indian American community," said Robinder Sachdev, president of Delhi based think tank Imagindia Institute, and one of the founders of US India PAC.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X or at the blog Views From the Edge.

CORRECTION: Earlier versions of this post misstated the number of Indian Americans on Congress.