Economic issues take precedence over US-India relations in 2024 poll
Inflation has emerged as the foremost election issue for Indian-Americans, according to a recent poll conducted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. The survey indicates that while inflation tops the list, abortion, and job-related concerns also rank high among key issues for this demographic.
The 2024 Indian American Attitudes Survey found that 17% of respondents identified inflation and rising prices as their primary concern. Close behind, 13% of participants highlighted abortion and reproductive rights, along with jobs and the economy, as critical issues.
The survey revealed a notable partisan divide in these concerns. Among self-identified Republicans, 39% listed the economy—encompassing prices and jobs—as their top priority, whereas only 24% of Democratic respondents shared this view. Conversely, abortion was prioritized by 19% of Democrats compared to just 5% of Republicans.
This partisan split reflects broader national trends, with former President Donald Trump and other Republican leaders primarily attacking the Biden administration and Democrats on economic issues, particularly inflation and immigration. Democrats, on the other hand, have emphasized abortion rights along with economic matters.
Conducted by YouGov from September 18 to October 15, 2024, the survey included responses from 714 Indian-American citizens who ranked their most pressing election issues. Other concerns highlighted in the survey included immigration (10%), healthcare (9%), climate change and the environment (8%), civil liberties (7%), crime (6%), taxes and government spending (5%), US-India relations (4%), education (4%), and national security (4%).
The report notes the significant presence of Indian-Americans in the US, with over 5.2 million people of Indian origin residing in the country. As the second-largest immigrant group, Indian-Americans are increasingly recognized as a vital political force, influenced by their demographic growth, the narrow margins in recent presidential elections, and their remarkable professional achievements.
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