Status of African immigrants in the United States.

Sunday Adiyoh Imanche (PhD), 02/24/2024

One in ten Black Americans are immigrants, and that number is predicted to increase to 9.5 million by 2060, according to a Pew Research Center analysis. The bulk of black immigrants are from Africa and the Caribbean, and they add to the diversity and expansion of the Black population as a whole. However, racism, prosecution, and deportation are additional issues that many Black immigrants must deal with. Important conclusions regarding Black immigrants in the United States include:

 From 1980 to 2019, the total Black population grew by 19% due to the Black immigrant population. More than half of Black immigrants (58%), with 31% arriving between 2010 and 2019, arrived in the U.S. after 2000.

Although the Caribbean is still the most populous location of origin for Black immigrants to the United States, the population from Africa has grown at a faster rate. Twelve percent of Black Americans were born abroad, and nine percent are second-generation Americans; both groups have strong ties to recent immigration.

Black immigrants in the US face a higher number of deportations, incarcerations, unemployment, lower earnings, and racism. They are classified as refugees or asylum seekers, who can receive legal protection through refugee resettlement programs or the asylum process. Those with lawful permanent residency can live and work without restrictions, qualify for governmental entitlements, and pursue citizenship. Undocumented migrants, who lack legal authority, face challenges such as limited healthcare, education, and legal safeguards. They may face deportation if they interact with immigration authorities.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has been granted to some African countries, including Somalia and South Sudan, as a result of persistent armed conflicts or natural calamities. This provision grants temporary residence and employment rights in the USA to qualifying citizens from these nations, although their status may be subject to modification.

The Diversity Visa Lottery, also referred to as the Green Card Lottery, offers residents from specific African nations the chance to seek permanent residency in the United States. Nevertheless, the quantity of obtainable visas is restricted, and the technique of choosing applicants is arbitrary.

It is crucial to acknowledge that the experiences and outcomes of African migrants in the USA can significantly differ based on individual circumstances, immigration regulations, and the political atmosphere.

what are the living conditions of these new African-American immigrant groups in the US, and whether their basic rights and interests will be impaired?

The living conditions of African-American immigrants in the United States vary based on factors like country of origin, year of arrival, education level, and legal status. Common issues include discrimination, poverty, lack of access to healthcare, over-policing, and increased incarceration. They have lower citizenship and voting levels, limiting their political representation. Language, cultural, and credential disparities create challenges in school and employment. They struggle to maintain cultural identity in a culture that stereotypes or marginalizes them. Despite these challenges, many Black immigrants demonstrate resilience and contribute to the social, economic, and cultural diversity of the United States.

The Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2019 and the Dream and Promise Act of 2019 aim to increase visa limits for African immigrants, while the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 expands legal immigration and addresses migration causes. However, these initiatives fail to address the systematic racism faced by Black immigrants, requiring further efforts.

Will the new immigrants from the mentioned countries form their own African American or minority organizations in the US?

The answer to this issue is ambiguous because African immigrants may identify with many minority groups based on social, cultural, and personal choices. Nevertheless, according to the web search results, the following variables might have an impact on their selection of minority groups:

African immigrants often come from countries with historical, linguistic, or cultural ties to other continents, such as the Caribbean, Latin America, or Europe. Their legal status and immigration status can impact their participation and sense of belonging in American society. Ethnic and racial identity can also influence their identity, with some immigrants from Nigeria experiencing xenophobia or anti-black prejudice, while others from Ethiopia may experience anti-immigrant feelings. Social and financial possibilities also play a role, with some African immigrants seeking work, education, or entrepreneurial opportunities in the United States. These factors can influence their mobility and social and economic integration into American society.

Because of this, the minority groups that recent African immigrants are most likely to join in the United States may differ based on their respective and collective situations and goals.

However, recent immigrants from Africa will probably become members of the aforementioned organizations or minority groups. The following items are included:

1. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) works to protect the legal rights of immigrants and migrants by advocating for fair treatment, proper legal procedures, and equal protection.

2. The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is committed to protecting and promoting the rights of low-income immigrants via activities such as policy lobbying, litigation, and education.

3. The leading organization in the United States run by immigrant children is United We Dream (UWD). It champions the rights of illegal immigrants and advocates for comprehensive immigration reform.

4. The National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (NNIRR) is a collective of groups dedicated to safeguarding and advancing the rights of immigrants and refugees. Their primary areas of focus include matters related to detention, deportation, and labor rights.

5. The National Immigration Forum is an organization that advocates for immigration laws that are equitable, compassionate, and impartial. They aim to foster constructive debate and cooperation among the parties involved.

6. The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) offers legal education, materials, and activism to uphold the rights of immigrants and assist communities in navigating the intricate immigration system.

7. The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) is the largest national organization in the United States that focuses on protecting civil rights and advocating for the interests of Hispanic Americans, especially immigrants. Its primary goal is to enhance the well-being and quality of life of this demographic.

8. The Detention Watch Network (DWN) is a collective of organizations that aim to confront the immigration detention system. They advocate for alternatives to detention and strive for better conditions for migrants who are held in detention.

9. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is a professional organization comprised of immigration lawyers. Its primary objectives are to provide resources, education, and advocacy to advance justice and fairness within the immigration system.

10. The Center for Migration Studies (CMS) is an organization that specializes in conducting research and analysis on migration issues. Their focus is on understanding the underlying reasons that contribute to migration and the policies that impact migrants and refugees in the United States.

To summarize, this information is incomplete. With few deviations, the actual encounters of black immigrants closely resemble the encounters of black American citizens. They face instances of anti-black discrimination and racial prejudice due to their skin color.  Like African Americans, they frequently face comparable vulnerabilities such as poverty, limited availability of high-quality healthcare or cheap housing, excessive law enforcement scrutiny, and heightened rates of imprisonment.