Aruna Miller, second Indian-American in line to become US Congresswoman
Indian-American Aruna Miller, seeking to enter the US House of Representatives from a Congressional seat in Maryland, has emerged as one of the top fundraisers, days ahead of the Democratic primary. Hyderabad-born Miller, 53, a Maryland State Delegate, came to the US in 1972, when she was seven. Miller is standing against party colleague David Trone for the Sixth Congressional District of Maryland primary.
Miller raised $1.3mn for the Democratic primary from her supporters
Businessman Trone has spent more of his own money on a House race than any other candidate in history. He has spent $10 million of his own money in the race, as against Miller's $1.36 million, which has come from generous contributions from her supporters.
Miller gearing up for June 26 primary election
If elected in the June 26 primary election, Aruna Miller would be the second Indian-American woman to enter the House of Representatives after Pramila Jayapal from Washington State. "In the year of the woman, can a $10 million man win a House seat?" reported The Washington Post on June 22, as "Miller Vs Trone" race gained nationwide attention.
Miller is confident of people supporting her and not 'money-power'
Days ahead of the crucial Maryland Democratic primary, Miller exuded confidence that her surging support from the people of the Sixth Congressional District would be dissuaded by the money-power, and help her get on the November Congressional ballot and finally enter the House next January. "The race is an opportunity for Democrats to elect a woman to Maryland's all-male congressional delegation," the Post said.
Miller became a Maryland House Delegate in 2010
A civil engineer by profession and known for her great legislative skills, Miller was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2010. Miller believes the issue of immigrants being demonized and marginalized is what spurred a lot of people to feel the need to take an active role in what's happening in America. "Diversity is not our problem. It's our promise," Miller said.
Will try to fix the broken immigration-system if elected: Miller
Miller has received tremendous support from Indian-Americans in Maryland and across the nation. Miller said the first thing she will do if she got elected to the US Congress, is to make sure they fix the broken immigration system. "This is for undocumented immigrants that are here, working hard, try to make ends meet and playing a part in our economy," she said.
All they want to do is contribute to America: Miller
"45% of the undocumented immigrants that are in this country are ones that have overstayed their visas, whether it's H-1B visa, student visa, and they're living in the shadows right now. All they want to do is to contribute to this great country," Miller said.
