From promise to peril: The reality of Indian lives in US

The recent wave of violence against Indian nationals in the US is not merely a series of unfortunate events; it is a sociological crisis.

- BIJAYINI MISHRA

‘nrecentmonths, the Indian diaspora in the United Stateshas been shaken by a troubling surge in violent incidents, many of them fatal.

These cases ranging from the shooting of Chandrashekar Pole, a student working at a Dallas gas station, to the brutal beheading of motel manager Chandra Mouli Nagamallaiah have sparked widespread concern across both Indian and American communities. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, over 842 Indian students died abroad between 2018 and 2024, with the United States accounting for 141 of those deaths. While many were attributed to accidents or health issues, the recent escalation in violent deaths, particularly in 2025, demands a deeper understanding. These incidents are not isolated; they are symptomatic of broader structural vulnerabilities, racial tensions, and institutional gaps that shape the immigrant experience in America.

Indian nationals in the US often occupy labour-intensive roles in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and fuel services and industries that are frequently underregulated and prone to risk. These jobs, typically involving night shifts, solitary work environments, and minimal security, expose workers to unpredictable and sometimes dangerous interactions. Loic Wacquant suggests that immigrant labour is often relegated to“zones of relegation” social and spatial margins where protections are weak and exposure to violence is high. The murder of Nagamallaiah, who was killed bya Cuban immigrant with a criminal record recently released from ICE custody, underscores how systemic failures in immigration enforcement can have fatal consequences. Similarly, the killing of Rakesh Patel, a motel owner shot while investigating a disturbance outside his business, illustrates how routine responsibilities can become life-threatening in volatile environments.