Good Afternoon,

Below is a memo on behalf of Sarah, Ethan, and myself for “HAF's Third Annual Policy Conference” at
the Rayburn House Office Building.

Hindu American Foundation’s (HAF) Third Annual Policy Conference

Rayburn House Office Building
June 18, 2018

Keynote Address:
 Nisha Desai Biswal: President of US-India Business Council; Former US Assistant Secretary of
State - Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs
Notes:
 Biswal expressed that the U.S. and India’s relationship has deep long-term convergence with
how both countries view the world, their interests and role.
 Biswal shared the points of friction between both economies should be an opportunity, not a
threat.
 Despite having one of the tightest labor markets in America today, the number of vacancies
outnumber the amount of people looking for work.

Panel: Hindu Americans and Immigration Reform

Speakers:
 Akanksha Kalra, Esq.: US Immigration and Nationality Law Attorney; Member of the American
Immigration Lawyers Association
 Swami Venkataraman: HAF National Leadership Council member; Senior Vice President - Global
Project and Infrastructure Finance, Moody's Investors Service
 Padma Katapalli: GC Reforms
Moderator:
 Samir Kalra, Esq.: HAF Managing Director

Notes:
 The three panelists discussed the difficulties of being a legal immigrant in the U.S., comparing
the process from 30 years ago to today.
o Venkataraman explained that it was never a question of if he would receive a green
card, but when.
o Katapalli shared her experience now with not knowing if she will be allowed to get a
green card, and if she does it will not be for 25 years.
 Katapalli shared that India and China are most negatively affected by the green card back law
due to the quota system.
 Venkataraman explained that it is beneficial for America to attract people here, or else
businesses will leave to find the workers.

Fireside Chat
Speaker:
 Shanthi Viswanathan: Teacher, Survivor of Shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School,
Parkland, Florida
Moderator:
 Suhag Shukla, Esq.: HAF Executive Director
Notes
 Viswanathan shared her personal account of the Shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High
School on February 14, 2018.
 After her story, Viswanathan explained the security precautions taking effect at the school.
o County officials are adding three metal detectors because of the shooting.
 Viswanathan said that she does not think everyone should have to evacuate the school if a fire
alarm goes off, to ensure there are three armed guards per school, never use drywall when
building, to be smart about the location.
o Viswanathan does not want the school to feel or look like a prison; there should not be
metal detectors or fences.
Thanks,
Emily K.