Gurbir S Grewal becomes the first Sikh- American state Attorney General, US.

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Meeshika Sharma
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Phil Murphy, New Jersey Governor-elect today named Gurbir S Grewal as his nominee to serve as the next Attorney General of the state.The appointment appears to be in line with Murphy’s campaign promise to ensure his administration reflects the demographics of the state, as well as validates a sentiment of a growing South Asian political presence in the state.publive-image

With this nomination, Grewal will become the first Sikh- American state Attorney General in the state’s history, and possibly the first Sikh state attorney general in the country.The move has been welcomed by the South Asian Bar Association (SABA).

Grewal, who has spent most of his legal career in public service, is currently the Bergen County prosecutor. Working for most populous county in New Jersey, Grewal serves a community of almost one million with his staff of 265.publive-image

He previously served as an Assistant US Attorney in both New York (2004-2007) and New Jersey(2010-2016). He ended his tenure there as Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit where he was lead prosecutor for the largest known data breach prosecution.

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Grewal obtained his law degree from the College of William & Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law in 1999.

publive-imageHoboken Mayor-elect Ravinder Bhalla, a fellow lawyer and a childhood friend of Grewal, congratulated him on the appointment.

Bhalla said, “The governor-elect has picked a highly qualified professional in Grewal.Grewal’s qualifications are impeccable. I am happy that the governor-elect decided to appoint someone based on the merits.”

 SABA president Rishi Bagga said, "The decision to appoint a visible minority as the chief law enforcement officer for New Jersey reflects the diversity of the state and of the US, and is especially important in a time where minorities and immigrants have often felt targeted by law enforcement."
"We really applaud his accomplishments and are extremely proud to see him be chosen for this honor," said SABA New Jersey president Bhaveen Jani. Grewal is a past president of SABA New York and a member of the New Jersey Asian Pacific American lawyers Association.
The Sikh Coalition, which advocates for greater awareness of the culture, said Grewal could be the first state level attorney general in the country.
A spokesperson said, "While not a state AG, Preet Bharara was the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York prior to President (Donald) Trump’s arrival.Mr. Bharara comes from a Sikh family. We know that there are a few assistant U.S. Attorneys in D.C., Chicago and NYC, but we are not aware of anything else.”publive-image
Singh said it appears that, after more than a century since Sikhs first arrived on the West Coast, the community is finally arriving on the political scene.

He added, “As a historian, I have to point out that Sikhs have been engaged in politics in America for a long time.That being said, this is an inflection point for the Sikh community. We are, after more than 100 years, gaining community power here in the U.S.”

“It gives me hope for the future, especially as we think about the kinds of signals it sends to our children. That you don’t have to look a certain way or don’t have to conform to particular appearances to succeed.”

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