Asian women in Politics: who is Kamala Harris?
Running as the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris.
Politicians from south Asian descent are increasingly more prevalent around the world in the today’s world which is a huge shift compared to just 20 years ago. Britain saw the first Asian prime minister through Rishi Sunak and now its America’s turn; the Presidency, the highest office in the world that could make history with the front running candidate is not only being female, but a female of South Asian origin: Kamala Harris. But who is she? What does she stand for and what could this mean for Asians around the world?
Kamala Harris is democratic politician Kamala Harris became vice president of the United States in 2021. She was the first woman, the first Black person, and the first Asian American to hold that office. She had previously served as a U.S. senator representing the state of California. In 2024 Harris and President Joe Biden ran for re-election. They were set to become the Democratic nominees for the November election when Biden dropped out of the race in July 2024. Harris then was chosen to be the Democratic presidential nominee.
Early Life and Education
Full Name: Kamala Devi Harris
Born: October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California.
Parents:
Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was an Indian-born cancer researcher and civil rights activist.
Her father, Donald Harris, is a Jamaican-born economist and professor.
Education:
Harris earned her undergraduate degree in political science and economics from Howard University, a leading historically Black university in Washington, D.C.
She later obtained her law degree (Juris Doctor) from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
Legal and Political Career
Early Legal Career: Harris began her career as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California, where she prosecuted cases involving serious crimes such as robbery, sexual assault, and homicide.
District Attorney of San Francisco (2004-2011): During her tenure, Harris introduced several progressive reforms, including programs that focused on the rehabilitation of low-level drug offenders. She also faced criticism for some of her tough-on-crime policies, particularly concerning truancy and marijuana-related cases.
Attorney General of California (2011-2017): As the state's chief legal officer, Harris advocated for consumer protection, criminal justice reform, and environmental safeguards. She also defended key state policies such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and same-sex marriage laws.
U.S. Senate (2017-2021)
Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016 Harris became the second African American woman and the first South Asian American to serve in the Senate. She quickly gained a reputation for her incisive questioning during high-profile Senate hearings, including those for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election.
Her legislative priorities in the Senate included:
Advocating for criminal justice reform.
Supporting the DREAM Act, which provides a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. Championing progressive issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare reform, and environmental protection.
Vice Presidency
In August, Joe Biden selected Harris as his running mate. The Biden-Harris ticket won the 2020 election, defeating the incumbent President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. Harris’s election to the vice presidency made history as she became the first woman and the first person of colour to hold the office.
As Vice President, Harris has taken on a leadership role in several key areas, including:
Overseeing efforts to address the root causes of migration from Central America.
Supporting the federal government's COVID- vaccine distribution and public health efforts.
Advocating for initiatives on voting rights, women's rights, and support for small businesses.
Personal Life
Kamala Harris is married to Doug Emhoff, a lawyer who became the nation’s first Second Gentleman. Emhoff has used his platform to advocate for causes such as combatting antisemitism and promoting access to justice. Harris is also a stepmother to Emhoff's two children, Cole and Ella, from his previous marriage.
Kam Harris's career is defined by her trailblazing achievements and her commitment to representing a more diverse and inclusive America. Her influence extends beyond U.S. politics, marking her as a significant figure on the global stage.
Her presidential campaign:
Kamala Harris’s political campaign is rooted in progressive values, with a focus on equity, justice, and strengthening democratic institutions. As Vice President, she works alongside President Joe Biden, advancing the administration's agenda. However, during her own 2020 presidential campaign, she outlined key policy priorities that reflected her long-standing commitments in several areas.
What could her political power bring to Asians around the world?
Since rising to power, there has been huge speculation about what her administration may mean to the future of foreign policy and international engagement, and in particular interest has been as to what a Harris administration may mean for Southeast Asia, an area of the world where the US finds itself trying to influence great power. Her rise to power has also energised many south Asian supporters, not only in the US but all over the world. supporter believe that her administration will shed a different light onto people of south Asian descent. Looking at her policy, Kamala has vowed to do the following, which could prove to be highly beneficial for Asians.
1. Imm and visa reforms
H-1B visa reforms: Harris has been vocal about supporting more inclusive visa policies, which could benefit South Asian professionals, especially those in tech sectors. She has advocated for reforms that would alleviate backlogs in green card processing, a critical issue for many Indian and South Asian families.
Pathways to citizenship: Harris supports a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, including DACA recipients, and has also shown concern for the families affected by immigration restrictions. Asians are a significant group impacted by these policies.
2. Advocacy for hate crime prevention and addressing bias
Hate crime legislation and monitoring: Hate crimes have been a concern for South Asian Americans, especially after spikes in violence against Asian communities during the pandemic. Harris has shown support for measures that enhance the monitoring and prevention of hate crimes.
Raising awareness: Harris has used her platform to raise awareness about anti-Asian violence and discrimination. Her voice Vice President brings additional visibility to these issues, advocating for stronger protections and fair representation.
3. Economic and amall business support
Small business support: Many South Asian Americans run small businesses, especially in the food, retail, and hospitality sectors. Harris has supported relief measures and grants during COVID-19 and beyond, which have benefited many South Asian-owned businesses.
Professional representation: Harris’ administration has made strides in promoting diversity in federal appointments. By including more South Asians in various roles, her administration can better address the professional needs of the community.
4. Healthcare and COVID-19 support
Public Health outreach: Harris has advocated for COVID-19 relief and healthcare access, impacting all communities, including South Asians, who have faced high infection rates in some regions. Improved healthcare access and affordability, which she supports, could benefit many South Asian families.
Mental health awareness: Mental health has unique stigmas within South Asian communities, and Harris has encouraged breaking down these barriers and increasing resources for communities that have traditionally had less access to mental health services.
5. Representation and breaking stereotypes
Encouraging civic engagement: Harris has encouraged increased civic participation among South Asians, aiming to have them represented at all levels of government.
Cultural representation: Harris frequently shares her experiences and celebrates her South Asian heritage, helping to break stereotypes and expand understanding of what it means to be South Asian American.
Kamala Harris’ and public stance suggest she’ll continue advocating for issues significant to South Asians in the U.S., from fair immigration policies and public safety to improved healthcare and economic opportunities.
To conclude:
A Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump contest in the 2024 presidential election would present voters with a clear choice between two contrasting visions for the future of America. Harris would likely continue the Biden administration’s focus on unity, progressive reforms, and social justice. In contrast, Trump would return to his platform of nationalism, populism, and deregulation, similar to his 2016-2020 presidency. This election could shape the direction of U.S. politics, highlighting key debates on democracy, equality, and the role of government, as well as making history and could be the beginning of people of South Asians descent in the the highest offices all over the world in countries outside of Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.
The presidential election will be held on Tuesday 5th November 2024
Before Kamala was in the running for presidential race, she wrote this empowering and joyful picture book that speaks directly to children. In this book, she takes readers through her life and shows them that the power to make the world a better place is inside all of us.