Indian-American South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley today criticised President Barack Obama's policies as having "fallen far short of his soaring words" during his seven-year-long tenure as she asked Americans to resist the "angriest voices" on immigration.

"Barack Obama's election as president seven years ago broke historic barriers and inspired millions of Americans. As he did when he first ran for office, tonight President Obama spoke eloquently about grand things. He is at his best when he does that," she said in formal Republican response to Obama's last State of the Union address.

"Unfortunately, the President's record has often fallen far short of his soaring words," said 43-year-old Haley, seen as a potential Republican vice presidential pick in 2016. "As he enters his final year in office, many Americans are still feeling the squeeze of an economy too weak to raise income levels. We're feeling a crushing national debt, a health care plan that has made insurance less affordable and doctors less available, and chaotic unrest in many of our cities," she said.