Xenophobia: Time for Biden to confront the ghosts of America's own past

In a world where political slip-ups are as common as rainy days in Seattle, it seems Uncle Joe has once again pulled out his verbal umbrella. Yes, folks, gather around for another episode of “The Gift of the Gaffe,” starring none other than the 81-year-old president himself, Joe Biden. But this time, it’s not just any slip of the tongue; oh no, this time, he’s managed to stir up a tempest in a teapot by accusing India, of all places, of xenophobia.

With a rhetorical flourish that could rival even the most seasoned orator, Biden lumped together nations like Japan and India, alongside the perennial adversaries of Russia and China, as paragons of xenophobic tendencies. But hold on to your hats, folks, because this isn’t just political banter—it’s a diplomatic high-wire act with global repercussions.

Yes, you read that right. The man of the hour, President Biden, recently graced a fundraiser in Washington, DC, with a remark that could make even the most stoic diplomat do a double-take. In the whirlwind world of international relations, where every word spoken carries weight, President Biden recently found himself in a verbal tempest of his own making. Picture this: a swanky hotel fundraiser, a room buzzing with Asian American donors, and the leader of the free world casually tossing around accusations of xenophobia like confetti at a carnival.

But fear not, dear readers, for amidst the fog of political rhetoric, one thing remains crystal clear: perhaps it’s time for the land of the free and the home of the brave to take a good, hard look in the mirror. So, hey there, Big Brother, before you start pointing fingers at others, maybe it’s time to address your own immigration issues. After all, those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones, right?

Japan, a stalwart ally of the United States, and India, a rising star in the geopolitical arena, both found themselves in the crosshairs of Biden’s verbal volley. Just weeks ago, Biden welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida with open arms, reaffirming the “unbreakable alliance” between their nations in the face of China’s looming presence in the Indo-Pacific. And let’s not forget India, whose Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with pomp during his state visit to Washington just last year. Amidst handshakes and photo ops, business and political leaders alike rolled out the red carpet for Modi, signalling a deepening partnership between the world’s oldest democracy and its largest.

But here’s the kicker: while Biden may have been aiming to highlight America’s welcoming stance towards immigrants, his verbal misstep risks souring relations with key allies and fueling the flames of diplomatic discord. So as the dust settles and the headlines fade, one can’t help but wonder: in the high-stakes game of global politics, are words truly just words, or do they carry the weight of nations on their shoulders?

In the colourful tapestry of India’s history, the thread of diversity runs deep, weaving together a rich fabric of cultures, religions, and identities. From the ancient presence of Jewish communities dating back millennia to the influx of immigrants from distant shores, India has long been a land of inclusivity and acceptance.

Contrary to the narrative of xenophobia, India stands as a shining example of tolerance and coexistence. Throughout the centuries, various waves of migration have enriched the mosaic of Indian society, from the Jewish diaspora finding refuge to the influx of immigrants seeking new opportunities. Even amidst the tumultuous events of the 20th century, such as the partition of the Indian subcontinent and the birth of Bangladesh, India remained a beacon of hope for those seeking sanctuary and prosperity.

The numbers speak for themselves, as millions have made India their home, drawn by its promise of freedom, opportunity, and belonging. While regional dynamics may play a role in migration patterns, the overarching theme remains one of openness and hospitality. Whether from neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan or from farther afield in Africa and beyond, all have found a place to call their own within India’s borders.

So, when accusations of xenophobia are levied against India, they crumble in the face of historical evidence and lived experiences. India’s legacy of embracing diversity and fostering unity stands as a testament to its ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family. In a world marked by division and discord, India’s steadfast commitment to inclusivity shines as a beacon of hope for all who seek refuge and belonging.

Here are some statistics for Biden and everyone who thinks India is xenophobic: India, since its independence, has embraced over 14 million refugees, a figure that surpasses the population of many countries. This includes more than 100,000 Tibetan refugees who found sanctuary after fleeing Tibet in 1959 and over 10 million Bangladeshi refugees who sought safety during the 1971 war. The Sri Lankan Tamil refugee population in India numbers in the tens of thousands, while Afghan refugees, though smaller in number, have found a home in India since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. Additionally, the Chakma and Hajong refugees, who have lived in India for over five decades, represent a significant community seeking refuge. These statistics paint a vivid picture of India’s commitment to providing sanctuary to those in need, regardless of their background or circumstances. So, Mr Biden, before casting aspersions, perhaps it’s time to acknowledge India’s exemplary record of welcoming the persecuted with open arms.

India stands as a beacon of both ancient wisdom and modern complexity. Picture this: a land steeped in millennia-old civilisation, where the echoes of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism reverberate through the corridors of time. India was, is, and will always be there. Here, the Constitution itself breathes life into the ethos of unity and integrity, recognising India not just as a geographical entity but as the custodian of a profound civilizational heritage.

But wait, there’s more to this story than meets the eye. As the Pew Report reveals, India plays host to millions of immigrants, primarily hailing from neighbouring nations like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. These individuals, seeking refuge and opportunity, find themselves drawn to the land where ancient values meet modern aspirations.

Yet, amidst this tapestry of diversity, a poignant truth emerges: while India opens its arms to those in need, its own citizens face hurdles in attaining the very citizenship that defines their identity. The plight of Hindus and other adherents of Indic religions, persecuted in some corners of the globe, highlights the moral imperative for India to extend a helping hand to those who seek sanctuary within its borders.

And here’s where the plot thickens: as accusations of xenophobia are hurled India’s way, one can’t help but wonder about the pot calling the kettle black. Mr Biden, do you not see the irony in criticising India’s citizenship laws while your own nation grapples with its own immigration woes? As we, the people of India, navigate the delicate balance between tradition and progress, between unity and diversity, we find ourselves thriving in a democracy that celebrates the mosaic of identities that define us.

As an Indian Muslim, I pen these words with a heavy heart and a clear mind. We do not need the patronising gaze of Big Brother dictating to us what it means to be inclusive and welcoming. For in the tapestry of India’s story, each thread finds its place, each voice resonates in harmony, and each soul finds sanctuary in the embrace of a nation that knows no bounds. So, Mr Biden, before you cast stones from your glass house, perhaps it’s time to take a long, hard look at the mirror of your own immigration policies.

Despite the seismic shifts in global geopolitics since the tragic events of 9/11, the United States continues to grapple with outdated immigration laws and a penchant for turning a blind eye to the plight of illegal immigrants. While the United States grapples with its immigration challenges and the implications they have on its society and economy, it’s important to recognise that the world doesn’t revolve solely around the US. Each nation has the sovereign right to enact its own laws and policies according to its unique circumstances, values, and priorities. If welcoming immigrants aligns with a country’s interests and contributes positively to its prosperity, then that decision lies within its prerogative. However, it’s equally crucial to acknowledge that what works for one nation may not necessarily be suitable for another. As such, while the US navigates its immigration landscape, other nations reserve the right to chart their own course, guided by their own aspirations and considerations.

In the aftermath of the tragic events of 9/11, America faced another insidious assault, this time on the hallowed grounds of its university campuses. Hamas, under the guise of student activism, orchestrated a campaign of organised crimes masquerading as protests, injecting a toxic brew of hate, racism, violence, and anti-Semitism into the heart of academia. Their nefarious agenda wasn’t about Israel or Gaza; it targeted the very essence of American values, education, and dignity. With calculated precision, they sought to tarnish American universities as dens of chaos, rather than bastions of enlightenment, seeking to instruct civilians in the art of civilisation’s demise.

Yet, amidst this turmoil, Jewish students found themselves on the front lines, enduring a relentless onslaught of genocide and intimidation. But they are not alone. This battle transcends individual identities; it’s a fight for humanity against the forces of evil.

Amidst the chaos of protests and the clash of ideologies, India’s pointed critique of US democracy rings with a certain irony. While Washington often takes to the global stage to preach the virtues of democracy and human rights, the scenes playing out on American campuses paint a different picture. As over 2,100 students are arrested and encampments spring up in defiance, the lofty ideals of democracy seem to falter in the face of dissent and discord.

And yet, amidst the tumult, India’s admonition serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities of democracy in practice. Just as the protests on American campuses highlight the fissures within the nation’s democratic fabric, so too do similar sentiments simmer in other parts of the world. From the rise of the Far Right in Europe to the challenges posed by unchecked immigration, the fault lines of democracy run deep, casting doubt on the notion of a universal model of governance.

While the West may be quick to extol the virtues of democracy, its own backyard bears the scars of unrest and extremism. As accusations fly and fingers point, perhaps it’s time for introspection rather than intervention. India’s success in providing refuge and fostering diversity stands in stark contrast to the turmoil gripping Western university campuses, where anti-Semitic radicals and pro-Hamas terrorists sow seeds of discord. So, before casting stones from glass houses, perhaps the West should focus on liberating its own institutions from the shackles of extremism. After all, actions speak louder than words, and India’s legacy of tolerance and inclusion speaks volumes.

As the dust settles on the tumultuous landscape of history and geopolitics, one question remains: whose history truly bears the stain of xenophobia? From the shores of ancient India, where persecuted Parsis, Jews, and Christians found sanctuary, to the shores of America, where the legacy of invasion and oppression looms large, the answer seems clear. So, Prez Joe Biden, as you cast aspersions and admonitions, perhaps it’s time to confront the ghosts of your own nation’s past. For in the tapestry of history, the threads of xenophobia run deep, but the path to redemption lies in acknowledging and atoning for the sins of the past.

The author is a practicing advocate. She writes articles on women’s rights, politics, and law. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.