AAUC member group, the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), hosted its November 2025 webinar, “Shaping Technologies for the Future — Role of Diaspora,” which spotlighted how Indian-origin scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators are steering technological breakthroughs across continents. From artificial intelligence and nanotechnology to critical minerals, space surveillance, and sustainable water solutions, the forum brought together experts from academia and industry to explore the diaspora’s pivotal role in driving the next wave of global innovation.

Opening the session, GOPIO International President Prakash Shah said that the event underscored how STEM has powered India’s migration waves and global influence. Dr. Thomas Abraham, GOPIO’s Founder and Chair, traced the organization’s evolution since 1989 and its mission to connect global Indian professionals with their homeland. Dr. Abraham highlighted plans to foster collaboration in advanced computing, AI, nanotechnology, critical minerals, and clean energy. Dr. N.P. Padhy, Director of Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT, Jaipur, India) and Dr. Anupam Shukla, Director of Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT, Surat, India) were distinguished guests at the event. Director Padhy spoke about India’s scientific transformation and how collaboration with the diaspora can accelerate the achievement of national goals.

Moderating from Australia, Prof. Prasad Yarlagadda, Dean of Science, Engineering, and Digital Technologies, Southern Queensland University, reflected on his four-decade career in advanced manufacturing and nanotechnology. “By 2035 and 2050, universities may become just hubs of learning,” he said. “They will facilitate rather than deliver education as we know it today.” Dr. Himanshu Jain, T.L. Diamond Distinguished Chair in Engineering and Applied Science and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Lehigh University and currently on sabbatical at the University of California, Davis, presented on advanced materials and the critical role of glass in sustainability, clean energy, and healthcare. He outlined innovations such as solar-concentrating glass mirrors, energy-efficient building glazing, and glass composites for wind turbines. “The next frontier,” he added, “is moving from electronics to photonics and even using glass as a controlled-release fertilizer for sustainable agriculture.” 

Dr. D.R. Nagaraj, Henry Krumb Professor of Professional Practice, Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering, Columbia University, New York, spoke about “Mines of the Future” and the need for sustainable extraction of critical minerals. Dr. Nagaraj highlighted how 54 critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt, and rare earths, drive global supply chains. He warned of dependence on unstable sources and called for precision mining using AI, robotics, and data analytics. “We cannot have clean energy without mining, and we cannot mine without energy,” he said.

The webinar concluded with a call for closer collaboration between global Indian innovators and their counterparts in India. GOPIO leaders reaffirmed their goal of expanding specialized technology councils, creating sectoral networks, and aligning Diaspora innovation with India’s national growth priorities.

Summary

Many Indian tech graduates, particularly from top institutions like IIT, are reconsidering plans to study or work in the U.S. due to the Trump administration’s sudden increase in H-1B visa fees to $100,000. The H-1B program has long been a key pathway for Indian talent to gain U.S. employment and residency. Now, rising visa costs and anti-immigration sentiment are pushing students to explore alternative destinations like Germany, the UK, and South Korea, which offer more stable and welcoming immigration policies. Last year, Indians accounted for 71% of the approved visas. Experts warn the U.S. may lose top talent, innovation, and economic contributions, while countries with more predictable rules are actively recruiting skilled Indian professionals.

Read article on NBC News

Related Articles

Trump’s H-1B Visa Fee is a Death Sentence for US Healthcare, The Guardian, October 1, 2025

GOPIO Says H1-B Visa Fee Hike Will Harm U.S. Economy and Innovation, AAUC News, October 1, 2025

Successful Role Models

With a population of just over 7 million, about 2% of the U.S. population, Jewish Americans are recognized as the most successful minority group. Beyond active political participation, their contributions and leadership in America’s development are widely acknowledged. Jewish scientists such as Albert Einstein, who fled Hitler’s persecution, laid the foundations of modern American science. Diplomats such as Henry Kissinger helped the U.S. extricate itself from the quagmire of the Vietnam War and, through a new geopolitical strategy of leveraging China against the Soviet Union, ultimately enabled the U.S. to win the Cold War. Jewish financial groups hold immense influence on Wall Street, helping to establish many operational rules of the financial industry. Their dominance in media and Hollywood is also well known. Despite ongoing antisemitism in America, the status and influence of Jewish Americans remain undeniable.

African Americans, comprising 13% of the population, are another pivotal minority group. In 2020, the key to Joe Biden’s successful presidential campaign was support from Southern Black voters, which reversed his losses in the early days of the primaries and secured his Democratic nomination. He chose Kamala Harris, of African heritage, as his running mate and, after victory, appointed several Black leaders to his cabinet, including the Secretary of Defense.

In addition to forming a political “voting block” through active engagement, African Americans have elevated their social standing through contribution and leadership. In the 1960s, Martin Luther King Jr. led the Civil Rights Movement, advancing society through peaceful means, helping Congress pass four landmark civil rights laws that reshaped the status of all people of color, including Asian Americans. African Americans’ contributions to American music are unparalleled—jazz, gospel, rock & roll, disco, rap, and pop were all pioneered and driven by Black musicians. In sports, African American athletes shine far beyond their share of the population. Football and basketball are dominated by Black players, and they excel in track and field, boxing, and gymnastics. Without African American athletes, the U.S. would likely lose half its Olympic gold medals.

Aside from Native Americans, the U.S. is a nation of immigrants from all corners of the world. Every immigrant is an owner of this free land. As the famous American folk song “This Land Is Your Land” sings: “This land is your land, this land is my land. From California to the New York Island, from the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters, this land was made for you and me.”

The lesson from Jewish and African American success is clear: by assuming ownership and making undeniable contributions, minorities can lead and elevate their place in American society.

Asian American Contribution and Leadership

Today, the U.S. faces three major structural challenges:

• The rise of the Asia-Pacific economic sphere, reshaping global political, economic, and military dynamics.
• Artificial intelligence sweeping the world, transforming every aspect of life.
• America’s population structure irreversibly shifting toward diversity.

The 25 million Asian Americans, comprising 7.2% of the population, have already—and will continue to—make unique contributions and provide leadership as the U.S. faces these challenges of an AI-empowered pluralistic society.

Asian Americans have extensive economic, political, and social ties with the Asia-Pacific region. They play an important role in reshoring American industries and attracting investment. They also advance people-to-people diplomacy, cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and global peace. Three examples familiar to the author are:

• APOZ (Asia-Pacific Opportunity Zone) near Houston, Texas, which attracts investment from Taiwan, Hong Kong & Macau, Southeast Asia, and mainland China to support U.S. industrial reshoring.
• 72 Steel, headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, which unites Asian American entrepreneurs to build an eco-friendly, energy-efficient green steel mill producing 500,000 tons of construction steel annually in Aliquippa, a former steel town near Pittsburgh.
• Windfall Group in Chicago, which has pooled Asian American capital to acquire declining shopping malls and redevelop them into vibrant “Asian Towns.”

Asian Americans also excel in artificial intelligence, with employment rates far exceeding their population share. Eight publicly listed high-tech companies led by Asian Americans have a combined market capitalization approaching $13 trillion (see table below). A new generation of Asian entrepreneurs is also drawing attention: Alexandr Wang, the 28-year-old CEO of Scale AI, and Jessica Wu, a 22-year-old Asian American woman and CEO of Sola Solutions, are two rising stars.

According to U.S. Census Bureau projections, by 2043 whites will make up 50% or less of the total population, marking the transition to a society without a single dominant race. This demographic shift has already triggered deep civilization clashes among ethnic groups and conflicts of economic, social, and political interests. Over the past year, a series of political assassinations, including presidential candidate Donald Trump, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, and young opinion leader Charlie Kirk, have starkly revealed America’s profound social and political divides.

American society, once dominated by whites and Western civilization, is transitioning toward multiethnic participation and coexistence of multiple civilizations. While this reality is widely acknowledged, different interest groups hold sharply divergent views on its consequences. The challenge facing all Americans is how to build a democracy shared by all ethnic groups, ensure harmonious coexistence, and truly realize the founding ideal that “all men are created equal.” Asian Americans, heirs of ancient civilizations, should assume ownership in America and bring the essence of their cultures into the nation’s economic, social, and political life, making contributions and providing leadership. We believe that the collective wisdom generated by peaceful encounters among civilizations will surpass anything any single civilization can achieve.

Conclusion

In an immigrant society, minorities must go through multiple stages to integrate into the mainstream: cultural inheritance, rights advocacy, political participation, and ultimately contribution and leadership. Cultural inheritance fosters understanding, rights advocacy gains sympathy for justice, political participation wins mainstream recognition, but contribution and leadership win the respect and trust of the whole society. Contribution and leadership are the fundamental paths for minorities to elevate their status. Asian Americans must assume ownership and contribute to America’s development. We should confidently and rightfully claim our role as owners of this free land.

In a formal letter addressed to the White House, GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham and President Prakash Shah emphasized the vital role that the H1-B visa program plays in fueling U.S. innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.

“Our U.S.-based members, as American citizens, are committed to supporting policies that advance the nation’s economic strength, competitiveness, and global leadership,” GOPIO stated in the letter.

Dr. Abraham warned that increasing the H1-B visa fee significantly could have far-reaching negative consequences. “The H-1B visa program has long been an essential driver of American growth and innovation,” he noted. “We urge the Administration to reconsider this significant fee increase, which we believe would run counter to the best interests of the United States.” Founded in the United States in 1989, GOPIO has grown to 100 chapters in 35 countries and is a member of Asian American Unity Coalition (AAUC).

The Case for H1-B: Economic Growth, Innovation, and National Interest

GOPIO’s appeal included a detailed outline of the H1-B program’s benefits to the U.S., particularly in areas of innovation, job creation, and economic resilience.

1. Boosting Innovation and Competitiveness
Many H-1B professionals work in STEM fields—particularly in technology, biotechnology, and engineering—where U.S. employers face critical talent shortages. Their expertise not only helps American companies stay globally competitive but also leads to patents and groundbreaking advancements. GOPIO highlighted that patents filed by foreign students on F-1 visas who later transition to H-1B status generate revenue for the U.S. economy. A substantial fee hike could push such innovation overseas, depriving the U.S. of valuable intellectual property.

2. Supporting the U.S. Labor Market
Contrary to common misconceptions, H1-B professionals do not displace American workers. Instead, they fill highly specialized roles and help expand businesses, which leads to more job creation for U.S. citizens. Studies have shown that regions with higher concentrations of H-1B visa holders experience stronger wage growth across the board.

3. Strengthening Critical Industries
From tech giants like Google and Microsoft to leading hospitals and research universities, numerous American institutions rely on H-1B talent. These professionals play an essential role in maintaining U.S. leadership in technology, medicine, and research.

4. Encouraging Entrepreneurship
GOPIO also pointed out that many H1-B visa holders eventually become entrepreneurs, founding companies that go on to employ thousands of Americans. Iconic firms such as Google, Tesla, and Intel were co-founded by immigrants who began their journeys through programs like the H1-B.

5. Driving Economic Growth
Beyond innovation, H1-B visa holders contribute directly to the economy through billions of dollars in taxes, as well as consumer spending in sectors like housing, education, and services. This economic activity supports local communities and helps fund key public services.

6. Strengthening America’s Future Workforce
As the American population ages, skilled immigrants help fill gaps in the workforce. Additionally, they bring global perspectives and international ties that strengthen America’s economic and diplomatic relationships.

A Call for Balanced Policy

GOPIO President Prakash Shah stressed the importance of maintaining policies that attract global talent. “America has always thrived by attracting the best and brightest from around the world,” he said. “To continue making America great, it is vital to preserve policies that draw talent, innovation, and entrepreneurship to our shores. A prohibitively high H-1B application fee would undermine these goals and weaken our competitive edge.”

In conclusion, GOPIO’s leadership is urging the Trump administration to adopt a balanced and forward-looking approach. Rather than imposing barriers that could hinder progress, the organization advocates for policies that strengthen the U.S. economy by embracing global talent.

“President Trump promised to lower costs on day one, yet costs have skyrocketed due to his tariffs — especially for the over three million Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander-owned businesses across our nation,” said CAPAC Chair Grace Meng. “These mom-and-pop stores are being forced to make an impossible choice: raise prices or close their doors for good. We refuse to be treated as collateral damage in the administration’s trade wars, and CAPAC will continue fighting for lower costs and a more affordable America.” 

On August 29, a federal appeals court ruled that most of Trump’s tariffs are illegal but allowed the tariffs to remain in place while the case moves through the appeals process. Last week the Supreme Court agreed to consider the appeal on an expedited timeline. Meanwhile, tariffs continue to create uncertainty for small businesses and consumers—including for Asian-owned businesses that import agricultural goods, cultural products, and traditional medicines that cannot be produced domestically. 

Asian American entrepreneurs own 11 percent of small businesses in the U.S. and nearly 20 percent of restaurants that can be found in 70 percent of counties across the country. Chinatown businesses in particular have reported lower demand and increased costs for goods, with some hiking prices by an average of 50 percent. According to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, consumer prices rose 0.4 percent in August, driving the annual inflation rate to 2.9 percent, the highest since January, in part due to Trump’s tariffs. 

Asian grocers like Uwajimaya in Seattle that import over half of their items from Asia are now forced to raise prices in response. Consumers are cutting back on salon visits in order to save money due to rising costs from tariff policies, with 42 percent of typical salon patrons going less in the last six months in favor of at-home treatments and 24 percent giving up those services entirely. 

Many Asian-owned businesses have not recovered from the pandemic and already operate on thin margins. These businesses cannot afford to absorb higher costs from Trump’s tariffs, but are hesitant to raise prices, especially for seniors living on fixed incomes and working-class Americans. These uncertain economic conditions come on the heels of Trump’s Big Ugly Law that makes life harder for working families by kicking more than 15 million people off their health insurance and raising the costs of food and utilities. 

Goods affected by Trump’s tariffs include basmati and jasmine rice, beef, shrimp, salmon, tuna, tilapia, dried fish, ginseng, Goji berries, Korean and Japanese cosmetics and skincare products, traditional Chinese medicine, matcha, loose-leaf tea, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, Sichuan peppercorn, black pepper, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, paneer, kimchi, dry noodles, joss papers, incense, takeout containers, cell phones, computers, clothing, shoes, and more. 

Summary

According to a Pew Research Center analysis, about 2.3 million Asian Americans, or roughly one in ten, were living in poverty in 2022. The report challenges the “model minority” stereotype by highlighting significant economic diversity and hardship within the Asian American community. The poverty rates vary widely across different Asian origin groups, with Burmese and Hmong Americans experiencing the highest rates, while Filipino and Indian Americans have some of the lowest.

The study, which includes a survey and focus groups in 12 languages, found that many Asians in poverty are immigrants who face challenges such as language barriers. A key finding is that a third of Asian Americans living in poverty have a bachelor’s degree, a much higher percentage than non-Asians in similar economic situations. This suggests that a college degree does not always prevent financial hardship for this group.

The article details the financial struggles faced by many, including difficulty paying bills and saving for emergencies. While many turn to family, friends, or government assistance for help, a significant portion of those in poverty feel that the “American dream” is out of reach. The research underscores the importance of looking beyond broad racial categories to understand the distinct and diverse experiences of Asian Americans.

Read article by Neil G. Ruiz, Ziyao Tian, and Shannon Greenwood, PEW Research

“Asian Minnesotans are 7% of the state’s population and of that, an estimated 60% are Southeast Asian,” said ThaoMee Xiong, Executive & Network Director of CAAL. “Our communities live all over the state and play an important role in the state’s economy and growth, yet underinvestment persists. CAAL Ignite is one way we’re responding to the invisibility and disparity.

According to the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, Asian American women in the state earn about 72 cents for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men, while Southeast Asian women face some of the largest wage gaps in the country with an average of 62 cents to the dollar. These economic disparities are compounded by the sharp rise in anti-Asian hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic and persistently high numbers of reported incidents in the years following, which marked 2024 as one of the worst years for anti-Asian hate crimes on record, according to this year’s FBI annual hate crime statistics. These systemic inequities are further reflected in philanthropic support, which remains disproportionately low as research from Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP) shows that in Minnesota, just 42 cents of every $100 awarded to nonprofits goes to Asian American nonprofits.

In its first year, CAAL Ignite highlighted the critical need for sustained financial support across Asian American communities. With 238 applications from 23 ethnic groups across 39 cities in Minnesota, the fund demonstrated both the demand and the creativity within the community. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 helped businesses grow their services, nonprofits enhance operations, and individuals launch new initiatives.

Mai Ker Hang, owner of Fruitee ‘n the Cake, a small Hmong American owned bakery and CAAL Ignite grantee said, “My community has always been about giving to those in need. I grew up in poverty, and my dream is to give back and support those who have supported me all these years.” With support from CAAL Ignite, she invested in new tools and expanded her services, positioning her business for future growth.

Stories like Hang’s highlight the ripple effect of the fund, where investment in a single idea can generate broader community impact.

“Asian Minnesotans want opportunities to showcase their innovation and ingenuity,” Xiong said. “The CAAL Ignite Fund invests in our community and serves as a platform to elevate their leadership!

Learn more at caalmn.org/caal-ignite and stay updated by following CAAL on social media or subscribing to the newsletter.

This story originally aired on WCCO – CBS Minnesota in May 2023. It offers a quick look at the history of Minnesota’s growing AAPI population.

Minnesota’s Asian American and Pacific Islander history spans over a century, beginning with Chinese immigrants in the 1870s. The state saw a significant influx of Hmong and Vietnamese refugees between 1979 and 1996, many resettled through church sponsorships, which provided crucial support.

Today, Minnesota is home to more than 350,000 AAPI residents, led by Hmong (88,579), Asian Indian (52,687), and Chinese (39,622) communities. This unique demographic blend has shaped Minnesota’s cultural and economic life. Leaders like ThaoMee Xiong and restaurateur Tammy Wong exemplify AAPI resilience and influence, from refugee beginnings to community leadership.

AAPI Minnesotans now contribute through farming, business, and politics. More than 100 languages are spoken across AAPI communities, reflecting vast diversity. Despite challenges, leaders hope to normalize AAPI presence in Minnesota, shifting from “Asian Minnesotan” to simply “Minnesotan,” emphasizing belonging and solidarity within the state’s evolving identity.

In the current global landscape, the U.S. still commands attention. Most nations cater to American interests, whether through trade, diplomacy, or investment. On the surface, it looks like the U.S. has won. But beneath that veneer lies a deeper question: at what cost?

Faced with a mounting national debt and a hollowed-out manufacturing base, the U.S. government is turning to tariffs and foreign investment to offset economic decline. These policies aim to revive dying industries and restore domestic production. But for everyday Americans, especially immigrant communities, the consequences could be severe.

Tariffs may raise prices on essential goods, from food to electronics, disproportionately affecting working-class families. If inflation rises while wages stagnate, we risk entering a period of stagflation, where economic growth stalls but the cost of living soars. For AANHPI households, many of whom run small businesses or work in sectors vulnerable to global shifts, this could mean tighter margins and fewer opportunities.

Beyond economics, there’s a growing erosion of the ideals that once drew us here. Democracy feels increasingly fragile. Political polarization, racial tension, and economic inequality have shaken our faith in the system. Many AANHPI individuals now ask: is this the America we believed in?

We’ve marched, voted, and spoken out, and yet too often, our voices are sidelined. The rise in anti-Asian hate, invisibility in mainstream narratives, and lack of representation in leadership have left many feeling alienated. The dream of belonging is being replaced by a quiet disillusionment.

So, has the U.S. won? Perhaps in influence. But if that victory comes at the expense of its people, especially those who believed in its promise, then it is a fragile triumph.

Now more than ever, the AANHPI community must come together, not just to reflect, but to act. We must amplify our voices, share our stories, and demand a future that honors the ideals we came for. That’s why the 2025 AANHPI Unity Summit on September 16–17 in Washington, D.C., is so vital.

Hosted by the Asian American Unity Coalition (AAUC), this year’s theme, “Building Solidarity Through Unity, Collaboration, and Advocacy,” calls us to rise above fragmentation and forge collective strength. The summit will convene over 150 AANHPI leaders, nonprofits, policymakers, and allies to strategize, advocate, and celebrate our shared heritage. From Capitol Hill visits to sessions on civic leadership, mental health, and cultural identity, it’s a space to reclaim our narrative and shape our future.

Let us stand together—not just in critique, but in hope. Let us reclaim the American promise, not as passive dreamers, but as active builders of a more just and inclusive future.

To learn more or register, visit asamunitycoalition.org/summit.

Summary

The Burmese community in Indianapolis, the largest in the U.S. with more than 30,000 residents, faces mounting challenges due to recent U.S. tariffs and a travel ban on Myanmar. Burmese-owned businesses, especially grocery stores and restaurants, have been hit hard by tariffs of up to 45% on imported goods like rice, noodles, and spices. These price hikes have drastically reduced profit margins, forcing business owners to cut inventory, raise prices, or absorb losses.

At the same time, the travel ban has emotionally and practically disrupted the community, separating families and halting student visa approvals. Many Burmese immigrants—already fleeing conflict and political instability—are now struggling to reunite with loved ones or bring relatives to safety. The combination of economic and immigration barriers has created intense financial and emotional stress, threatening the sustainability of Burmese small businesses and the wellbeing of this tight-knit refugee community.

Read the full article by Sanvi Bangalor on the NBC News website.