As a member of Congress who represents a large population of Americans of Indian descent, I am troubled by the remarks aimed at the winner of the 2013 Miss America Pageant and a fellow New Yorker, Nina Davuluri.
Davuluri embodies the American Dream: the daughter of immigrants who graduated from a prestigious university and plans to pursue a medical degree. She is American in the truest sense, and the fact that this would be questioned is despicable.
Embracing diversity is an American value, one I have always cherished. I am the product of grandparents who fled Russia due to persecution and found an accepting home here in America. I have spent my life honoring their memory by fighting against hatred, bigotry and persecution. When I heard of the vitriol being directed toward Davuluri, I felt compelled to respond.
I join with the voices of the many Americans who have cried out against these hateful remarks, and I will continue to work in Congress to fight against hatred.
Steve Israel
U.S. Representative
(D-Melville)
