Sikh leaders raise US immigration concerns with envoy Sergio Gor during Golden Temple visit

Sikh religious leaders raised concerns over immigration enforcement and issues affecting the community in the United States during a meeting with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Monday as part of a 28-member American delegation.

Gor paid obeisance at the Golden Temple and met Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami and acting Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj. His itinerary also included visits to Jallianwala Bagh and the Partition Museum.

US poster flagged

During the interaction, Dhami raised the recent controversy over a US Department of Homeland Security poster that asked “Mr Singh” to self-deport. The advertisement was withdrawn earlier this month following criticism from Sikh and Indian-American groups.

Dhami told the delegation that although the controversial poster had subsequently been removed after objections were raised, steps should be taken to ensure that similar incidents were not repeated. He also underlined the contribution made by Sikhs and Punjabis to the United States and called for the safety of all communities living there.

Diaspora concerns discussed

Issues concerning Sikh and Punjabi families in the United States, including concerns surrounding immigration enforcement, also figured in the discussions. No formal memorandum was submitted to the ambassador, according to Dhami.

Gargajj highlighted the longstanding links between Sikhs and the United States and referred to Americans who had served in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s forces. He said the Sikh representatives hoped concerns relating to families in the US that were discussed with Gor would receive attention.

Return after 15 years

The visit marked Gor’s return to the Golden Temple after around 15 years. According to the SGPC, the ambassador recalled visiting the shrine with his parents during his earlier trip and spoke about his memories of the holy city.

In the visitors’ book, Gor described it as an honour to return to the shrine and said he was thrilled to be back. He was presented with a model of the Golden Temple, religious books and a shawl during the visit.

Gor later described his day in Amritsar as “memorable”, referring to his visits to the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh and the Partition Museum.

Pro-Khalistan slogans

The ambassador’s visit also witnessed a brief demonstration outside the Golden Temple complex. Emaan Singh Mann of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), along with party workers, gathered near the shrine’s entrance and raised pro-Khalistan slogans as well as “God Bless America”.

Security personnel subsequently managed the gathering. Security had been tightened around the Golden Temple ahead of the American delegation’s visit, with police personnel deployed in and around the shrine complex.

Punjab outreach

Gor’s visit formed part of his outreach beyond New Delhi and came against the backdrop of the sizeable Sikh and Punjabi diaspora in the United States. Punjab has longstanding social and family links with North America, making immigration and the treatment of community members significant issues during interactions with American officials.

The ambassador’s engagements in Amritsar combined religious and historical visits with discussions involving Sikh leadership, putting diaspora concerns at the centre of his Punjab outreach.