Archive · 11 Sep 2026
From 9/11’s Ashes, South Asian Political Power Rises
The September 11 attacks changed New York and the lives of many immigrants.
After the attacks, some immigration policies became harsher.
South Asian community groups formed or grew to help people and challenge unfair policies.
These groups also encouraged people to vote and become involved in politics.
Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s first Muslim mayor, was shaped partly by this activism.
He is expected to attend the city’s 9/11 remembrance ceremony.
More than 100,000 people have objected to his presence.
The article says this disagreement shows both continuing Islamophobia and the growing political strength of South Asian New Yorkers.
More than 100,000 people have objected to Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s presence at New York City’s 9/11 remembrance ceremony.
Mamdani is the city’s first Muslim mayor and, like three predecessors, is expected to preside over the ceremony.
The attacks contributed to more restrictive immigration policies and the eventual establishment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
South Asian organizations expanded after 9/11 to provide immigration advice, services and political organizing.
The article links Mamdani’s political rise to South Asian civic activism and a broader, more inclusive coalition of New Yorkers.
- Who
- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, South Asian community organizations and New Yorkers who support or oppose his attendance.
- What
- Mamdani’s presence at New York City’s 9/11 remembrance ceremony has prompted a petition while highlighting South Asian political organizing since the attacks.
- When
- The article discusses the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and the period since 2001.
- Where
- New York City and the United States.
- Why
- Supporters view Mamdani’s role as evidence of growing South Asian and Muslim political representation, while opponents have objected to his attendance at the ceremony.
Supporters and Community Advocates
Opponents of Mamdani’s Attendance
Mamdani at the remembrance ceremony
Supporters and Community Advocates
Supporters see his participation as appropriate for the city’s mayor and as a significant symbol of Muslim and South Asian representation.
Opponents of Mamdani’s Attendance
More than 100,000 people have objected to his presence at the event.
Meaning of the controversy
Supporters and Community Advocates
The article argues that the objections reflect continuing Islamophobia and an effort to keep immigrants politically subordinate.
Opponents of Mamdani’s Attendance
Those objecting to Mamdani’s presence are presented as challenging his participation in a ceremony commemorating the attacks, though the article does not specify their detailed reasons.
South Asian political activism
Supporters and Community Advocates
The article credits community organizations and civic engagement with building growing political power and a more inclusive coalition.
Opponents of Mamdani’s Attendance
The article describes an opposing expectation that immigrants should remain politically subservient, but does not identify a specific organization or spokesperson advocating that position.
- Ceremony
- New York City’s 9/11 remembrance ceremony
- Mayor
- Zohran Mamdani, described as New York City’s first Muslim mayor
- Objections
- More than 100,000 people have expressed opposition to Mamdani’s presence
- Memorial installation
- The Tribute in Lights uses 88 searchlights to evoke the Twin Towers
- Immigration enforcement
- The article traces a path from 9/11 to the establishment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- Community response
- South Asian organizations expanded their immigration support, service access and political organizing after the attacks
- Political figures cited
- Shekhar Krishnan and Shahana Hanif are identified as South Asian elected officials