Raja Leads Effort Urging Secretary Of Homeland Security to Combat Wave of Hate Crimes Against Indian-Americans and Others

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi today announced that he is leading a congressional letter calling upon Secretary of Homeland Security Kelly to use the full powers of his office to address the recent spate of hate crimes in the United States against Indian-Americans and others.

“I recently had the opportunity to speak with Secretary Kelly during his visit to Capitol Hill. During our meeting, Secretary Kelly discussed his belief that his department needed to focus more on the activities of white supremacist organizations and similar hate groups,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “My colleagues and I were heartened by the Secretary’s clear recognition of the need to protect all Americans, but we now need him to take further steps to follow through on his commitments. The letter I’m circulating among my colleagues in Congress urges Secretary Kelly to use the full powers of his office to prevent additional racially-motivated attacks and to combat the roots of hatred and intolerance. I stand ready to work with Secretary Kelly on these issues and my colleagues in Congress do as well.”

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Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi represents the 8th District of Illinois, which includes Chicago’s west and northwest suburbs. He serves on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and on the Committee on Education and the Workforce. In addition, Raja serves as the ranking member, and top Democrat, on the Subcommittee on Health Care, Benefits, and Administrative Rules. Krishnamoorthi served as an Illinois Special Assistant Attorney General in the public corruption unit and as Illinois Deputy Treasurer before becoming president of small businesses in the Chicago area focused on the national security and renewable energy sectors. He and his wife, Priya, a physician, live in Schaumburg with their two sons and baby daughter.