NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Dallas, TX, March 4, 2025:Congressman Brandon Gill (R-TX) has sparked a debate on social media with his response to an Indian American’s post about a Leuva Patidar Samaj volleyball tournament in Dallas. The original post by Dylan Patel highlighted the strength of the Leuva Patidar community, which has deep roots in the motel and gas station business in the U.S. Patel shared that 8,000 people attended the tournament out of about 40,000 Leuva Patidars living in the U.S., calling it an “unreal” gathering.
In response, Gill wrote, “America is the ‘land of opportunity’ precisely because we DON’T have a caste system. We cannot sustain America’s prosperity and liberty by importing foreign-class allegiances. Immigration without assimilation is national and cultural suicide.”
Gill’s comment received strong reactions online, with many pointing out that the Leuva Patidar community’s success is built on entrepreneurship and hard work, not caste-based divisions. One response questioned, “Would you say the same about Amish farmers? What is different here? His community owns stores/small biz and they have gathered from all over the U.S. Your issue is not the 8K small biz owners but if you think it is, then your real issue is race.”
Another person argued that Indian Americans have already assimilated as much as possible: “The only way these small biz owners can ‘assimilate’ more is if they woke up white one day.”
However, some agreed with Gill, saying that immigrants should do more to embrace American values. “The need to push American concepts, patriotism, and ensure they are embraced is key. We can’t leave our future and fate to chance. These people are supposed to assimilate. Instead, they are simply carving out pieces of America and calling it Little India, Little Pakistan, Little China, all this BS and crap.”
Others defended the Leuva Patidars’ close-knit culture, highlighting the trust and support within the community. “Silly statement. Will you give interest-free loans to a family member without a written agreement without a fixed payback, just based on trust? This is what a good community does to support each other. Learn and admire from people who have good values.”
Dylan Patel later responded directly to the backlash, clarifying that the event had nothing to do with caste. He wrote, “For the ignorant folks, having a social community is good. Caste system is bad for forcing people into socioeconomic levels/marriage based on birth. This volleyball tournament isn’t that. My community believes in freedom and self-determination. We are living the American dream.”
The Leuva Patidar community, a subgroup of Gujaratis primarily from the Charotar region, has played a major role in the U.S. hospitality industry. Today, Gujaratis own over 40% of America’s hotels, with many Patels running motels and gas stations in rural areas.
What does it mean to assimilate? Please post your response in the comments.
America is the “land of opportunity” precisely because we DON’T have a caste system.
— Congressman Brandon Gill (@RepBrandonGill) March 2, 2025
We cannot sustain America’s prosperity and liberty by importing foreign class allegiances.
Immigration without assimilation is national and cultural suicide. https://t.co/ZfLYjweigw
Cover photo courtesy: Dylan Patel/X and Congressman Brandon Gill/X.
