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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline NOVEMBER 11, 2022 | The Indian Eye 18

First Diwali Celebration at held Naperville City Hall

“US and India need to stand together as democracies that stand for values”: Rep. Jim Himes says
during Meet & Greet with GOPIO-CT leadership

OUR BUREAU
New York, NY
he United States and India need
to stand together as they are
Tgreat democracies that stand
for human values,” declared US Con-
gressman Jim Himes, a Democrat rep-
resenting the 4th district of Connecti-
cut during a networking reception and
Interactive Session by Congressman
Himes with GOPIO-CT members and
supporters at the Hampton Inn and
Suites, Stamford, CT on Friday, Octo-
ber 28th, 2022.
Stating that the Indo-US rela-
tionship is fundamental to the stabil-
ity of the world, Rep. Himes referred On the issue of long waiting, Pakistan, Rep. Himjes said, “I have my called them “the future of US innova-
to the compulsions that led to India’s sometimes nearly 2 years to obtain an personal perspectives on India and Pa- tions.”
response to Russia’s unilateral inva- appointment for a Visa interview in kistan. I understand who are our part- In his inaugural remarks, GOPIO
sion of Ukraine. “We underrated the India, while describing this as “a solv- ners in security.” International Chairman Dr. Thom-
long-standing relationship India has able problem, but the right intention On the question of “cyber securi- as Abraham, said, “Every year, GO-
had with Russia. We understand the and motive is essential,” Rep. Himes ty” Himes said, “It is getting more and PIO-CT has had an interactive session
constraints India faces. No one needs said, “We need to advocate with lo- more a serious issue.” While acknowl- with Rep. Jim Himes and other elected
to sit in judgement of India’s position cal representatives in every state to edging that “China is very targeted” officials.” Dr. Thomas Abraham initi-
on Ukraine,” Rep. Himes said. solve this back log.” As Chairman of Himes said, “Russia is not as sophisti- ated the discussion by raising the “H1
Rep. Himes shared with the audi- the House Committee overseeing cated.” Himes stated, the US is invest- and H4 visa issues and what needs to be
ence about his recent visit to Ukraine the State Department, Himes sug- ing heavily on cyber security to address done by the Biden Administration, es-
and meeting with the leadership in gested that the US State Department the fast and ever evolving security pecially for the need to clear the back-
this war-torn nation. Describing the will listen to Congressman Grego- threats posed by many rogue nations logs of pending Immigration numbers
pain and the suffering inflicted on the ry Meeks of New York. “You need and people, around the world. “We for our community.” Responding to
people of Ukraine, Rep. Himes said, to have them understand the long need to be more resilient and there is these concerns that were shared in a
“Everyone we met in Ukraine stated, delay in visa interviews,” he said. an urgent need to fix the problem.” series of questions by GOPIO leaders
we will do everything in our power to On the Green Card back log, Rep. Congressman Himes had all on the Immigration issues, Dr. Abra-
defend every inch of our territory.” Himes said, attracting skilled laborers praise for the Indian American com- ham described the immigration policy
While hoping that the war ends is “central to our economy.” On a ques- munity. He referred to how he came and the current situation as “messy.”
soon, the Congressman pointed to tion, regarding the discussions about to meet with a new entrepreneur of During the interactive session
how “Democracy is under threat today the Country-based quota not being Indian origin in Bridgeport recently, among members of GOPIO, who
more than ever,” and he stressed the used and unused visas could be used to who is setting up a large firm that will raised concerns about the Western
need for India and the United States allow Green Cards to other qualified provide components for manufactur- Media being anti-India, Ritu Joho-
need to “stand together to protect the individuals who are caught in the back- ers of semiconductors that is in huge rey, Board Member of GOPIO-CT
democratic values.” log for Green Card approval, Rep. demand now. He also spoke about the refuted the claim and stressed that
“There is a temptation to test Himes was unsure if the Biden Ad- contribution of the Indian American the Western Media is neither anti-In-
the ties India and the United States ministration will embrace the policy. community for their contributions to dia nor anti-Modi Government, and
have developed for centuries,” Rep. Rep. Himes serves on the US creating a hub of tech innovation in stated speaking of the realities in In-
Himes pointed out. Stating that the Congressional Caucus on India and Stamford in CT. “The brains of tech dia and portraying what is happening
this “friction is between India and the Indian-Americans, a forum in which innovations are here,” he said, while in India today cannot be described as
United States is only temporary” Rep. Members of Congress address the is- pointing to the Indian community. anti-India.
Himes said, “We will stand united and sues central to our relationship with While acknowledging that “We GOPIO-CT’s Annual Diwali
will work together towards the com- this important South Asian nation. By have so much to do on immigration” celebration followed at an eloquent-
mon values that are dear to both the promoting dialogue on issues of inter- to enable these tech savvy and entre- ly decorated Meeting Hall included
nations.” Describing India and the est to the Indian American commu- preneurial Indian American commu- cocktails, dinner and a live Bollywood
United States as “cousin democracies” nity, the Caucus strives to strengthen nity to have a smoother and faster music by popular playback singers
Rep. Himes said, “The Democratic bilateral relations between the United way to have Green Card and Job Vi- from across the state of Connecticut,
party leadership is in understanding States and India, promote trade with sas, Rep. Himes, whose District has a emceed by Dr. Jaya Daptardar.
of the critical need for strengthening India, enhance economic develop- fast-growing South Asian immigrant The program started with a wel-
the relationship between India and the ment in India and the United States, community, praised them for their come by GOPIO-CT President Ashok
United States. We are very supportive increase anti-terrorism cooperation. contributions. “You are a secret weap- Nichani who said that Rep. Himes is
of the need to build on the India US While commenting on the recent on for economic growth,” he told the a great supporter of GOPIO-CT and
relationship,” he added. US decision to sell F-16 Fighter Jets to Indian American community, and the Indian American community.

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