By Louis Chan
AsAmNews National Correspondent
The White House is confirming that President Donald Trump will nominate a South Asian American judge to the Republican dominated Federal Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Judge Amul Thapar first appeared on the national scene when in 2008 he became the first South Asian to serve as a federal judge after being nominated by President Bush to serve in the Eastern District of Kentucky.
Thapar is a member of the National Advisory Council of the South Asian American Bar Association of North America which applauded his selection.
“Judge Thapar is a respected and thoughtful jurist who has long served as role model for the South Asian and greater legal community,” said Vichal Kumar, President of SABA. “Despite being among the youngest judges in the federal judiciary, Judge Thapar quickly established a reputation as a top legal scholar among his peers. His nomination furthers SABA’s mission of ensuring a judiciary that reflects the diversity of our country and we anticipate that his eminent qualifications will earn him a swift confirmation.”
Thapar is described by Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) as a “friend.”
“Throughout his already impressive career of public service, Amul has shown an incredible intellect and an unshakable dedication to the law,” McConnell said. “He has earned the respect of his colleagues, and I know that he will bring to the Sixth Circuit the same wisdom, fairness, and ability that he has shown on the District Court. President Trump made an outstanding choice and I look forward to the Senate’s confirmation of Judge Thapar.”
Interestingly, McConnell who is married to Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, announced President Trump’s intent to nominate Thapar one day before the White House made its own announcement.
McConnell is the same senator who announced in 2010 his top priority was to prevent President Obama from winning a second term.
Thapar’s long association with the Republican Party makes him a shoo-in for confirmation in the Republican dominated Senate.
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