Desi Pride

Namaste. I am proud of my Desi Indian culture. "Desi" is a term we South Asians use to refer to ourselves globally. Here are some hard US Stats from recent census studies. I wish for completeness I could also find some statistics on our political influence as far as fund raising, donation, and key players in both parties and major lobbyists. But here's what I have got. HIGH EARNERS Asian Indians are the fastest-growing and most affluent ethnic group in the United States, with a median annual household income of $66,000, which is almost 50% higher than the national average. Their estimated annual buying power exceeds $50 billion. Indians own 50% of all economy lodges and 35% of all hotels in the country, which have a combined market value of almost $40 billion. They are the single largest foreign physicians group in the country, accounting for 15% of all foreign medical graduates and nearly 5% of all U.S. physicians. Indians fuel America's technology sector. A University of California, Berkeley, Study, reported that one-third of the engineers in Silicon Valley are of Indian descent, while 7% of valley high-tech firms are led by Indian CEOs. SECOND LARGEST IMMIGRANT GROUP AFTER MEXICANS The Indian population in the United States presently tops 2 million and they are among the fastest growing ethnic group in the country. India is the second largest source of immigration to the United States, second only to Mexico, and it is by far the largest source of non-immigrant H1 visa professionals, equal almost to the rest of the world combined. India is also the largest source of foreign students in the United States, overtaking China, which has traditionally held that spot. The Indian foreign student population is the fastest growing student segment in the country, rising 22% in 2002. GROWING IN STRENGTH Indians are among the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States. Between 1990 to 2000, the Indian population grew 133%, which is 10 times the national average of 13%. They are the third largest Asian group, behind only Chinese and Filpinos, and are growing at a far faster pace -- 5 to 7 times – than the two groups. If current trends hold, Indians are set to become the largest Asian group by the end of this decade. HIGHLY EDUCATED AND VALUED IN THE WORKPLACE Indians have the highest educational attainment of all ethnic groups, including Whites. Almost 67% of all Indians have a bachelor's or higher degree (compared to 28% nationally). Almost 40% of all Indians have a master's, doctorate or other professional degree, which is five times the national average. Of the Indian work force, almost 50 percent are employed in managerial and professional specialties. Another 33 percent work in technical, sales, and administrative support occupations. Nearly 8,000 Indian Americans serve as faculty members at colleges and universities throughout the United States.