Second and Third-Generations

The children of Indian immigrants in the United States are known as the Second Generation, regardless of where they were born. Their children, in turn, are referred to as the Third Generation of Indian Americans.

For Second- and Third-generation Indian Americans, navigating identity in the U.S. is often a more complex and challenging process than it was for their parents. First-generation immigrants arrived in America as adults, with their connection to Indian traditions already deeply ingrained. When faced with conflicts between Indian and American cultures, these parents had a clear framework to guide their decisions. In contrast, their children often grappled with identity choices without a solid sense of belonging to either culture.

This struggle frequently created tension between the generations. Parents emphasized unquestioning acceptance of Indian values and respect for parental authority, while the younger generation sought independence and the freedom to make decisions on their own—aligning more with American ideals. This cultural and generational divide led to rebellion but was often accompanied by a genuine desire to honor their parents, whom they saw as hardworking and self-sacrificing, albeit sometimes rigid in their expectations (Verma, Namasté America: Indian Immigrants in an American Metropolis).

Some youth couldn't identify with India while other couldn't fully identity with America. Many Second and Third Generations of Indian American immigrants struggle with their ethinic identity. Featured above is a narrative in a newspaper writen by Dr. Munish Batra, a Second-Generation Indian American surgeon. He describes the struggles of trying to integrate into American life and culture. He briefly mentions some of the racism he encountered, the language barrier his family faced, and the isolation and loneliness he felt throughout his childhood as a result. 

On the other hand, many Second and Third Generations of Indian Americans have also found synthesis and balance between the their cultural identities. Some identitfy as more American, others as more Indian. Some might not feel the need to question their identity at all, or care regardless. Everyone's experience is different when it comes to the subject of identity.