Religions of Immigrants from India and Pakistan: New Threads in the American Tapestry

by Raymond Brady Williams

In 1965, landmark changes in the immigration law admitted to the United States large numbers of Indians and Pakistanis. Williams' book is the first comprehensive study of the religious groups formed in the United States by immigrants from India and Pakistan, of the adaptive and organizational patterns developed by these groups, and of their continuing influence on the fabric of American religion and culture. Through analysis of demographic statistics and information gathered in interviews, the book provides an overview of the variety of religions practiced by Indian and Pakistani Americans, the size of these religious groups, and the range of ecumenical, ethnic, sectarian, and national organizations. Case studies of groups in Chicago and Houston demonstrate differing growth patterns in metropolitan areas, while detailed descriptions of Swaminarayan Hindus and Nizari Ismaili Muslims illustrate a range of approaches to the difficulties of assimilation into American society.

340 pages, Paperback

First published August 26, 1988

Reviews

[Frank R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The definitive tome of the establishment, negotiation, and development of “Asian Indians” and Pakistani social and religious identities in the U.S. following the expansion of the immigration act of 1965 allowing elite, educated professionals from the aforementioned groups to enter the country. This is a great place to start when reviewing literature on South Asian religions in the U.S. It is dense with material, demographics, and social theory.