Indian American Impact Fund and South Asian Voters Praise Kamala Harris’s Bold Plan to Support “Sandwich Generation” Families

Washington, DC — Indian American Impact Fund, a leading national political organization and prominent voice for Indian and South Asian Americans, applauds Vice President Kamala Harris for unveiling a historic plan that addresses the financial and emotional burdens on the “sandwich generation”—those who are simultaneously raising children and caring for aging parents.

Under Vice President Harris’s plan, Medicare will cover home care for seniors, allowing older adults to age at home with dignity while reducing care costs for their families. This plan directly addresses the needs of Asian American caregivers, who are twice as likely to care for elders as the general population, according to AARP.

Over half of Asian Americans aged 45 to 55 are raising children under 21 while also caring for aging parents, making them more vulnerable to the financial and emotional strain associated with caregiving.

“This plan is transformative for the South Asian American community,” said Chintan Patel, Executive Director of Indian American Impact Fund. “Kamala Harris’s proposals will help families provide care for their loved ones without sacrificing their financial stability or emotional well-being. Her personal experience as a caregiver only deepens her understanding of the struggles our community faces, and we are proud to support her bold vision for an economy that works for everyone.”

South Asian voters across the country joined Impact in sharing how the initiative will be a lifeline for families: 

Sona Sood in Georgia said, “This is everything and it’s life changing for families. So often in society our elders are not given the respect they deserve after working so hard for so many decades. Additionally, the children of our elders often feel the stress and pressure (emotionally, financially, and physically) to do the caregiving our elders deserve and need. The situation creates strain, can adversely affect career opportunities, and creates stress for families. While some families are fortunate enough to have the financial ability to afford caregiving, many do not. This beautiful proposal by Kamala Harris and Tim Walz will ensure that families can grow together, that aging parents can continue living at home where their children know they’re safe, and that the sandwich generation will feel great relief. I’m beyond grateful that they’re proposing this.”

Chitra Balachandran in North Carolina said, “My father passed away recently. We were fortunate we could take care of him in the comfort of my home through home hospice till his end. Staying at home, in a place he was familiar with, made it so much easier on him, and also on us as we provided care for him. I truly hope Kamala Harris is successful in bringing this proposal to fruition. I have no doubt that this will be of tremendous help to all those caregivers who straddle responsibilities between their work, their children and their older family members.”

Amanshe Perera Slaney in New York said, “My father-in-law has been bedridden since his surgery in 2014 to remove a brain tumor. He was the only financial provider for years and my mother-in-law who is a retired RN and brother-in-law who has mental health issues have been relying on their savings to pay for their care and living. The coverage would bring more care employment opportunities to rural areas and be such a relief for the family to know that we can care for our little ones while also making sure our elders are properly cared for.”

Sujatha Srikanth in Texas said, “As members of the sandwich generation, we have witnessed the profound impact of an aging population both in the country we left behind and here, where our friends’ parents often require long-term care. They are constantly seeking ways to secure insurance and, in some cases, need attendants to assist them. The burden on the sandwich generation is immense. Many companies have established Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) where we can connect with others who, like us, are juggling full-time jobs while also caring for loved ones in need of long-term care. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to such support. This proposal will not only alleviate the burden but also reduce the anxiety we face as the sandwich generation. It enables us to plan for the future, ensuring we do not become a burden on our children. I am deeply grateful to Madam Vice President, soon to be President, for unveiling this plan.”

About Indian American Impact Fund:

The Indian American Impact Fund is dedicated to promoting and elevating the voices of Indian and South Asian Americans in the political and civic life of the United States. As the second-largest immigrant community and the largest Asian ethnic group, Indian and South Asian Americans are poised to be the decisive margin of victory in key races.

Since its inception in 2016, Indian American Impact Fund has endorsed and supported 192 candidates across the country, contributing to the historic rise of Indian and South Asian American representation in politics. Through strategic investments, grassroots organizing, and robust voter mobilization and policy advocacy efforts, Impact has marshaled upwards of $20 million, amplifying the voices of South Asian Americans and driving positive change in communities nationwide.

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For Immediate Release:
October 8, 2024

Contact: Sarah Shah
sarah@iaimpact.org