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Home History Timeline of South Asian Organizing 1900-1950 - Early Organizing
1900-1950 - Early Organizing |  |  |
Organizations across the country campaigned for Indian independence and for citizenship for Indians in the United States. The Ghadar Party pressed for the independence of India. The Home Rule League, led by Lajput Rai until his death in 1928, campaigned for dominion status. The India Association lobbied vigorously for citizenship. Mubarak Ali Khan, a prosperous Arizona farmer who founded the Indian Welfare League in 1937, worked to build bridges to the people within the American political structure who could influence a decision in favor of citizenship for Indians. Sardar Jagjit Singh, a successful New York businessman, fought for independence through the India League of America formed in 1938. He arranged for Claire Booth Luce’s trip to India, convinced Time magazine to write in support of Indian independence, and lobbied congressmen and diplomats. These combined efforts eventually yielded success. In 1946 the United States Congress passed the Luce-Celler Act, eliminating the ban on Indian immigration and allowing Indians to become naturalized citizens.
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