Assembly Resolution No. 586

BY: M. of A. Zebrowski

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
August 2017, as Indian-American Heritage Month in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those who
foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which
strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim August 2017, as
Indian-American Heritage Month in the State of New York, an observance
which celebrates the contributions of Indian-Americans to New York
State's unique heritage; and

WHEREAS, The Immigration and Nationality Act, enacted on June 30,
1968, abolished the national origins quota system which was American
immigration policy since the 1920s, replacing it with a preference
system which focused on immigrants' skills and family relationships with
citizens or United States residents; and

WHEREAS, This 1965 Act marked a radical break from the immigration
policies of the past and significantly increased Indian immigration to
the United States from fewer than 15,000 prior to the Act, to more than
200,000 by 1980; and

WHEREAS, Today, immigration from India is currently at its highest
level in history; there are approximately three million Indian-Americans
residing in the United States with a growth rate of nearly 70 percent;
and

WHEREAS, Indian-Americans greatly contribute to the leadership,
wisdom and vitality of our great State and Nation, and have attained one
of the highest educational levels of all ethnic groups in the United
States; an astounding 71 percent have a bachelor's degree compared to
the 28 percent national average; and

WHEREAS, Our Nation is blessed with many citizens of Indian descent
who are distinguished by their excellence and their contributions to all
fields of endeavor; some of these esteemed residents include: 2014 Miss
America and 2013 Miss New York, Nina Davuluri; Comedian, Aziz Ansari;
Musician, Norah Jones; former Governor of Louisiana, Bobby Jindal;
Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella; United States Ambassador to the United
Nations, Nikki Haley; the first Indian-American elected to the United
States Senate, Kamala Harris; the first Indian-American elected to
Congress, Dalip Singh Saund; and the first Indian-American woman elected
to be a county legislator in the State of New York, Rockland County
Legislator Aney Paul; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, there are nearly 35,000 Indian-American
doctors practicing in the United States including Doctor Sanjay Gupta,
renowned Neurosurgeon and Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at Emory

University School of Medicine and Associate Chief of Neurosurgery at
Grady Memorial Hospital; and

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize
those important months which remind us of the rich and diverse heritage
of our great State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, It is duly fitting that all New Yorkers join in these
important celebrations of one of our State's most vibrant communities;
this much anticipated observance and its accompanying activities will
foster greater appreciation for Indian culture and serve to promote the
spirit of cooperation that is characteristic of all citizens of New York
State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim August 2017, as
Indian-American Heritage Month in the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.