Nancy Pelosi Appoints Indian-American Woman to the Commission of USCIRF

By Gary Nguyen --
17 Dec 2018 --

Her experience with Anthem of Us played a big role in the appointment

The U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) appointed Indian-American Anurima Bhargava, a civil rights attorney, to the position of Commissioner.[/tweetit] Her appointment was made by Nancy Pelosi, an elected Democrat from California. Bhargava is at present the President of strategic advisory firm Anthem of Us, which she also founded. She was born and raised in Chicago.

Nancy Pelosi Appoints Indian-American Woman to the Commission of USCIRF[/tweetthis]

The USCIRF is a bipartisan and independent federal government entity created by the United States Congress to report, monitor, and analyze on threats linked to religious freedom outside the U.S. The role of the organization includes making foreign policy recommendations to Congress, the President, and the Secretary of State. The function of the USCIRF is to promote freedom of belief and religion. It also wants to deter religious persecution globally.

Bhargava’s experience with Anthem of Us played a significant role in her securing this position. She has described it as "a strategic advisory firm that works with educational institutions and corporations to promote dignity and justice for all." She has been described by fellow professionals in the field as a civil rights lawyer well versed in advocating the rights of members hailing from under-represented communities. These include the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and also the U.S. Department of Justice.

Bhargava would succeed Tenzin Dorjee, the current Tibetan-American heading USCIRF. He has commended House Leader Pelosi for her appointment of Bhargava as USCIRF Commissioner. He pointed out that Anurima Bhargava comes from an illustrious background and has made an excellent commitment when it comes to advocating for minority community members in the U.S. and around the world. He opined that his successor will bring in a vital new perspective which will enhance USCIRF’s work. Dorjee specially mentioned India in this regard, describing it as a democratic country with which the U.S. has a fruitful diplomatic relationship.

Other than working at the LDF and Department of Justice, Bhargava has earned distinction when she was a fellow of Harvard University and Open Society Foundations. She has worked in India before attending law school, helping women who have been elected to local government. Bhargava was a member of Council on Foreign Relations and of Truman National Security Project.