DHS image targeting “Mr. Singh” angers Sikh community
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The US Department of Homeland Security drew criticism after posting an image targeting a generic “Mr. Singh,” a common surname among Sikh individuals, which many saw as insensitive and potentially discriminatory.
The image, later deleted, resonated strongly within the Sikh community because of their substantial presence in American trucking and business. The North American Punjabi Trucking Association estimates Sikhs make up around 20% of truck drivers nationally, and as much as 40% on the West Coast, totaling approximately 150,000 drivers.
Many Sikh immigrants found success in trucking by becoming owner-operators and building trucking fleets, aided by established networks and a demand for drivers. This entrepreneurial spirit extends to other industries, with NAPTA representing 1,400 companies operating over 9,000 trucks and estimates suggesting Punjabi/Sikh operators control as much as 20% of US trucking companies. The history of Sikhs in the United States stretches back to 1899, with early pioneers working in agriculture, lumber, and railroads.
Despite facing hostility, including attacks in Bellingham, Washington, in 1907, the community established itself across the West. Michigan Democrat Ranjeev Singh Puri noted the surname “Singh” is carried proudly by millions of Sikhs and represents generations of service to the nation, while community members expressed concern the DHS post unfairly associated a common surname with negative stereotypes.
