UBN RESPONSE TO TRUMP PRESIDENCY: WE STAND STRONG, UNYIELDING, AND UNAFRAID IN DEFENSE OF BLACK IMMIGRANTS

For immediate release

November 6, 2024

Contact: ubncomms@undocublack.org

Washington, D.C. — In the upset of the recent U.S. presidential election results, the UndocuBlack Network (UBN) stands absolutely resolute and unwavering in our fight for the liberation, protection, and dignity of all immigrants—especially Black immigrants. 

“We are grieving,” said Patrice Lawrence, Executive Director of the UndocuBlack Network. “Firstly, to our Black currently and formerly undocumented community members, we love you and will grow even closer to you in the years to come, you are not alone. To our members who are queer, trans, or asylees, we hold you close and ask that you look out for our continued support. Similarly, we will protect our peace, celebrate our joy, and create more possibilities for everyone. We are the change we seek.”

We are from the communities we serve. Therefore, we know that during Trump's previous administration Black immigrants faced harsh and unjust policies that exposed the urgent need for collective action to combat racism, xenophobia, and violence against any community. Our communities were directly impacted by attempts to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for countries like Haiti and Sudan, and the enforcement of discriminatory travel bans targeting Muslim-majority and African countries. These exclusionary policies directly harmed Black immigrants. 

We know their tactics and their agenda. Project 2025 outlines a cruel immigration agenda aimed at reversing decades of progress. It calls for ending social services across education, health care, and reproductive rights. It infringes voting protections, civil rights, protection from police violence and severely limits migration and immigration. The president-elect has promised to end DACA and Temporary Protected Status (TPS)—curbing asylum protections, imposing even more punitive enforcement of border measures, and reductions in legal immigration. 

UndocuBlack has zero tolerance for racism and anti-Blackness. We will not sit by while families are torn apart, while another “bigger” Muslim or African ban is imposed, or while TPS is rescinded. Though the problems now and in the future are overwhelming, we will persevere. We have done so regardless of the political landscape, successfully spearheading landmark policies under both Republican and Democratic administrations. Under the previous Trump administration, we led the historic passage of the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) Act, providing critical protections and pathway to citizenship for Liberian immigrants. We are here to remind this administration and our community: we will not relent,  and we will not be stopped. 

Before the transfer of power, the Biden-Harris Administration can and must act now. The "lame duck" period– the stretch between the election and the inauguration of a new Congress or administration– often sees diminished momentum as outgoing officials prepare to transition power. However, for the Biden-Harris administration, this period is an opportunity to alleviate the harm their administration reinforced and enact measures that protect vulnerable populations. We demand the redesignating of TPS for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mali, and other nations that have previously qualified. Ensuring that immigrants who have established lives and families in the U.S. are not suddenly thrust into more precarious situations is essential for our collective safety. We demand the Biden-Harris Administration end the terror they have enacted in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. The ceasefire demand is clear from Black voters, and we understand the responsibility we have to uplift and stand with marginalized groups in the diaspora in their fight for liberation. 

Patrice Lawrence, Executive Director of UndocuBlack Network, said: “To every immigrant, especially Black immigrants, facing fear and uncertainty, know this: you are not alone, and none of the guilt of this election is yours to carry. We will continue to trample fascist and racist policies. We will continue to show ourselves love, dignity, and respect. Our commitment remains to fight deportations and for resettlement and access to resources wherever we choose to call home in the USA and abroad.  We’ve faced difficult times before, and we will face them again with courage, resilience, and grasping at any possibilities we see for our freedom. We are prepared to struggle. We are ready to organize. And together, we will build the future we deserve.”

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The UndocuBlack Network Acknowledges the Department of State’s Released Manual for Undocumented Graduates Eligible for Waivers

For Immediate Release 

July 24th, 2024

Contact: Danyeli Rodriguez Del Orbe, Danyeli@undocublack.org 

On July 15th, 2024, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) updated its Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) regarding §212(d)(3) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act, which allows certain undocumented individuals to waive inadmissibility grounds such as the 3-year and 10-year bar, for reentry on certain non-immigrant “business” visas. This guidance, which follows the Biden-Harris administration's executive action announcement, aims to make the process of obtaining a work visa for people who have earned a degree at an accredited U.S. institution of higher education, and received an offer of employment from a U.S. employer in a field related to their degree, more efficient.

This latest announcement and guide highlight the power of the executive branch and the significant impact the Administration can have by issuing executive orders that expand access and eligibility for adjustment of status. A national interest waiver allows people who are engaging in work that benefits the U.S. educational system, economy, healthcare, or other aspects of society to adjust their status to permanent residents. A waiver of inadmissibility is commonplace but usually takes months to attain after the applicant has left the United States impacting their lives, this update could see that time reduced to days or weeks. The UndocuBlack Network acknowledges the updated manual's helpfulness as it provides guidance to consular officers regarding when they should consider recommending that DHS grants a waiver of ineligibility. 

Patrice Lawrence, Executive Director of UndocuBlack, said “The right of all people to be autonomous and live and work where they choose is critical; this FAM guidance update brings us closer to that possibility. The immigration process is often scary and bewildering. The guidance may allow people who have an approved work visa like H1-B to leave as required by statute, consular process, and return to the U.S. with more certainty of reuniting safely with their loved ones if this waiver is approved. We know that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the State Department still have the power to do much more without the need for legislation. This FAM update proves it. The UndocuBlack Network is committed to aiding the implementation of this policy to maximize its benefits for as many individuals as possible. At this time, we flag the need for the Administration to update its rules even further so that those who are eligible, many of whom are Black, can benefit from this process without the risk of leaving the U.S. at all. We continue to advocate for ongoing improvements and expansions to include a broader range of undocumented individuals, regardless of the business visa they are eligible for.”

The UndocuBlack’s network one-pager on this implementation can be found here. We encourage partners and individuals who may want to learn more to contact us.

The UndocuBlack Network Responds to Announcement from Biden-Harris Administration Extending and Redesignating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti

For Immediate Release 

June 28, 2024

Contact: Danyeli Rodriguez Del Orbe, Danyeli@undocublack.org 

Taisha Saintil, taisha@undocublack.org

Washington D.C. – The UndocuBlack celebrates the extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. While the U.S.-backed intervention remains on the horizon, the future of Haiti remains uncertain. This victory is a testament to the power of collective advocacy led by directly impacted people, Haitian organizations, and allies. The dire situation in Haiti is exacerbated by recent natural disasters, including a tornado in Bassin-Bleu. The UndocuBlack Network still urges the administration to do more to protect Black immigrants, which includes releasing those in detention centers on humanitarian parole and stopping all deportation flights by land or sea. The Administration deported vulnerable Haitians as recently as May 16, 2024. 

B.F. (a pseudonym), an UndocuBlack member and a directly impacted individual, said, “This extension and redesignation has alleviated my constant fear of deportation and the means to work and support my family. I have been living with traumatic stress, witnessing what is happening to my family and friends in Haiti. My family’s home was taken over by gangs, leaving all my loved ones homeless. They can barely eat as they wander the streets, hoping that they are not killed and eaten by dogs and pigs, as they have witnessed happen to the bodies of other Haitians. Today is not just a victory for us here in the U.S. It is a victory for our family and friends in Haiti that depends on us. It is also a victory for everyone living in fear of deportation. It shows that with advocacy, we can, and we will win. Thank you to everyone who worked to make this possible for me.” 

F.P. (a pseudonym), an UndocuBlack member and a directly impacted individual, said, “Today is an amazing day for me. I left Haiti because I was being persecuted. I took the path by foot to come and seek asylum. On that path, I crossed dead bodies, repeatedly raped, and was held at gunpoint several times. It is by the grace of God that I am still alive and in the United States. But every day, I cry. I cry not only because of the state of Haiti, but also for the fate of my friends and family that I left behind. I feel a sense of relief and gratitude knowing that the United States has extended and redesignated TPS for Haiti. ​Knowing this alleviates some of the anxiety and uncertainty I feel about my future.”

Taisha Saintil, Senior Policy Analyst at UndocuBlack Network, said, “Today, we celebrate with our Haitian siblings and we look forward to supporting the Administration in putting in place a robust, culturally competent community outreach plan. As elated as we are by this announcement, we also acknowledge that this decision came after much advocacy and the delayed announcement inspired fear in the hearts and minds of Haitians all across the country. Thank you to all organizations and allies that we worked alongside to make this possible, which includes but not limited to Haitian Bridge Alliance, Florida Immigrant Coalition, Family Action Network Movement, Amnesty International USA, Human Rights First, and the Interfaith Immigration Coalition. The current conditions in Haiti make it a textbook case for a TPS extension & redesignation, and there should have never been a question that this was the right thing to do. This announcement has also made it exceedingly clear that the Administration is well aware that Haitian nationals cannot return to Haiti at this time. Consequently, all deportation flights should immediately be stopped. We also will continue to stand in solidarity with our siblings from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mali, Ecuador, Sudan, Nicaragua, and others who equally deserve this life-saving protection. 

Patrice Lawrence, Executive Director at UndocuBlack Network, said, “We rejoice as the Haitian community breathes a sigh of relief. However, on a broader scale, it is not lost on us that the Biden administration is repeating the same anti-Black, dangerous policies that his predecessors once exercised. First, asylum seekers were told that they had to make an appointment to seek safety, which many times have been months away, leaving many Black asylum seekers more susceptible to racism and discrimination in Mexico. Then, the administration introduced plans to categorically bar asylum seekers who traveled through other countries before reaching the U.S., which, again, disproportionately impacts Black immigrants who most often have no choice but to take the dangerous path by foot. To make matters worse, the Justice Department, in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), will further criminalize and mass incarcerate Black and Brown asylum seekers. This is unacceptable. This announcement today, as welcomed as it is, serves as a reminder that much work needs to be done.  Now, after experiencing these traumatic journeys, the administration is limiting how many people can seek safety by setting it to a daily arbitrary number. Black immigrants deserve better.”

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The UndocuBlack Network Condemns Biden’s Presidential Proclamation Severely Restricting the Rights of Asylum Seekers at the U.S.-Mexico Border

For Immediate Release 

June 4, 2024

Contact: Danyeli Rodriguez Del Orbe, Danyeli@undocublack.org 

Today, President Biden signed a Presidential Proclamation that follows a recent pattern of attacks on the right to asylum. Although asylum seekers often endure months of unsafe travel to reach the U.S.-Mexico border and wait weeks in deplorable conditions for the opportunity to apply for asylum, the Biden Administration has instructed authorities to deport asylum seekers back to their home countries or Mexico within hours/days if they are seeking asylum between ports of entry. This policy goes into effect when the daily average of encounters at the border surpasses 2,500. The border would reopen fourteen days after that number falls to an average of less than 1,500 encounters over seven days. 

The UndocuBlack Network is deeply concerned and outraged at the Biden Administration's choice to prioritize political gain over the lives of vulnerable populations seeking refuge in the U.S. The policy dehumanizes immigrants by reducing them to mere numbers and disregarding their fundamental human rights to safety and livelihood. Like previous policies enacted by the Administration, this latest attack on asylum will disproportionately impact Black immigrants who remain unsafe in Mexico while awaiting a chance to apply for asylum. Because the arbitrary threshold of 2,500 has already been met, the shutdown of the border is in effect immediately. 

Haddy Gassama, Policy and Advocacy Director at UndocuBlack Network said, “The harmful immigration policies of the Biden Administration and the Trump Administration have become indistinguishable. Both Administrations have politicized the border and used harmful rhetoric to place the lives of asylum seekers at risk while denying them their international human right to seek safety in the United States. In picking up where his predecessor left off, and signing a Presidential Proclamation, which echoes the legal and humanitarian pitfalls of Title 42 and the Migrant Protection Protocol, Biden seals a legacy of anti-immigrant and anti-Black policies. This measure will inevitably continue to ensure the shut down of the border and lead to faster deportations.”

“This rule willfully overlooks the dangerous conditions many asylum seekers are fleeing from, particularly Black migrants from countries like Haiti and various African nations,” Gassama continued. 

“These individuals often face severe violence and persecution in their home countries and en route to the U.S.,  Being sent back to Mexico or their home countries serves as a condemnation to imminent harm or even death. This measure is not only immoral; it is illegal. By setting a threshold for asylum access based on the number of daily apprehensions, the administration continues to violate international and domestic laws that protect the rights of those fleeing harm to seek asylum in the U.S.  Like all of Biden's other attempts at subverting asylum laws, Black immigrants will face unique and disproportionate harms– who mostly likely have already endured long, perilous journeys to reach the U.S. border, only to find that their access to asylum is restricted based on an arbitrary daily count​. The UndocuBlack Network Stands ready to fight this and any other anti-Black policies the Administration has in store.”'

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UndocuBlack Network (UBN), Communities United for Status and Protection (CUSP), and Afri-Kana Denounces Yet Another Anti-Black Attack on Asylum from the Biden Administration

Washington DC- The Department of Homeland Security announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The proposed rule gives asylum officers the discretionary authority to deny the right to asylum for some asylum seekers long before they present their cases to an immigration judge. These denials would be based on several factors that should only be considered under current law once an asylum seeker has a full hearing before an immigration judge. 

The UndocuBlack Network (UBN), Communities United for Status and Protection (CUSP), and Afri-Kana are once again disappointed in the Administration's choice to gut the right to seek asylum rather than protect it. Similar to the 2023 Asylum Ban, this new proposal by the Biden Administration will disproportionately harm Black migrants. The proposal puts more weight on initial screening interviews, which occur when people are at their most vulnerable, having just ended a dangerous journey to the U.S., detained, and often without legal representation. The discrimination Black immigrants face during their immigration process has been well-documented, including language access, isolation from other detained individuals, and medical neglect. These policies and decisions by the Biden administration, which also includes deporting Haitian Nationals to Haiti, as recent as today, where a "cataclysmic" situation is unfolding, continue to cement his discriminatory legacy. 

 Patrice Lawrence, Executive Director of the UndocuBlack Network, said, "What we are seeing along the U.S.-Mexico border is cruelty from the Biden-Harris Administration as they continue Trump-era policies. From my recent visit to Tijuana, Black migrants are still having to wait several months to get an appointment, which would then allow them to present their asylum claim. Seeking asylum is not a hair appointment. It is an urgent appointment for your future. It is a legal and human right. This proposed rule will undeniably create another barrier to asylum seekers requesting protection, and Black immigrants, as always, will bear most of the burden. Although the NPRM does not explicitly mention race, the implementation and enforcement of these new regulations will have a disparate impact on Black immigrants due to underlying racial biases within the immigration system and society at large. Instead of these cruel policies, the Biden administration must take a humane approach to immigration policy and welcome those seeking safety, which must include designating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and extending and redesignating TPS for Haiti, among others.” 

Adama Ba, Migrant Resettlement Manager for AfriKana, said, "In reflecting on my work with migrants, especially those who are Black, I emphasize the profound impact of their stories and the immense challenges they face, including anti-Blackness. A higher standard for credible fear interviews would be harmful, not to wear asylum cases, but because the time in which the credible fear interviews are conducted already finds Black migrants in a vulnerable and traumatized state due to systemic discrimination and other harms they've experienced en route to the United States. I've worked with individuals who've had to bury their siblings on their journey to seek refuge in the U.S., under such grief and anguish, only the most human and welcoming standard of questioning should be employed."

Carolyn Tran, Executive Director of Communities United for Status & Protection (CUSP), said, "When will the Biden-Harris administration learn that bending to the Trump era approach to our immigration system and the U.S.-Mexico border is a grave injustice to racial equity, civil rights, and international law? As multiple genocides and conflicts force communities, disproportionately from Black majority, Muslim, and Arab/Middle Eastern countries, to be displaced and flee for safety to the United States, our policies should reflect the values this Administration claims to stand for while dismantling the institutionalized racism inherent in our immigration system. It is clear that our leaders' priorities are not with the 68% of Americans who see immigration as a good thing but instead with those who see immigrant lives as disposable and not deserving of protection, compassion, or safety. We are against allowing asylum officers to apply statutory bars to asylum at the initial fear screenings. It would give asylum officers unprecedented decision-making authority on an asylum seeker's case that is currently under the decision of an immigration judge. As always, our communities will continue to educate, organize, and collectively speak out against this proposed rule."

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Court Upholds Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela Parole Program

Washington DC — In a landmark decision, a U.S. District Court upheld the parole program for nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV). This ruling comes at a critical time for Haitians. Haiti is currently grappling with heightened political instability surmounting the resignation of its Prime Minister. The recent political developments in Haiti have plunged the country into further uncertainty, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation. The upholding of the parole program is timely, offering a crucial lifeline to Haitians seeking refuge from the chaos engulfing their homeland.

The parole program, a pivotal part of United States immigration policy, offers a legal pathway for individuals from these countries to seek refuge and stability in the U.S. on humanitarian grounds for two years. During this timeframe, parolees can also apply for work permits.  

"The CHNV parole program serves as a critical lifeline, offering a beacon of hope to those from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela seeking refuge from dire conditions in their home countries," said Taisha Saintil, Senior Policy Analyst at UndocuBlack Network. "Considering that the State of Texas, accompanied by 20 other States, attempted to block the parole program for nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela but not for Ukraine, their motivation reflects issues of anti-Blackness and inequity in immigration policies. Judge Tipton's holding, states that because Texas did not establish that it had suffered harm due to the CHNV Parole Program and, therefore did not have standing to bring its claims, is a victory to millions of sponsors who are attempting to protect either their loved ones or strangers they wish to support in dire times. Amid the current political instability in my home country, Haiti, which has warranted the closure of schools and hospitals, the parole program represents a crucial avenue for Haitians seeking safety and stability."

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Senate Must Reject Anti-Black Immigration Provisions in “Genocide Joe’s” Supplemental Funding Package

FOR IMMEDIATE  RELEASE 

Feb 5, 2024

Media Contact: bethelhem@undocublack.org

Washington D.C – Under the cloak of a quiet Sunday evening, a group of lawmakers finally revealed the product of months of secret negotiations: an immigration bill that would put the lives of thousands, if not millions,  of asylum seekers and other immigrants at risk. If signed into law, the stringent anti-immigrant provisions of this bill will significantly hinder asylum seekers' ability to find safety and protection, and will disproportionately impact Black immigrants. As proposed, this bill increases the legal standard for asylum seekers, making it significantly more challenging for those fleeing persecution in countries, where they also often leave behind proof of harm. This bill also sets the number of asylum seekers arriving at the port of entry to an arbitrary number per day, allowing a Title 42-like policy  to be triggered, when the maximum number is met.  This bill further hinders the ability of asylum seekers to receive counsel and language access in expedited-removal-like proceedings. It is equally shameful that Biden and Senate leadership negotiated to triple ICE's budget; much of which will go towards disproportionately incarcerating Black migrants. The UndocuBlack Network is enraged at the provisions in the bill. Our communities demand that all elected officials who put out empty words of solidarity with Black communities this month match their words with action and "vote no" on this bill. 

Director of Policy at UndocuBlack Network, Haddy Gassama, said, "As an organization that advocates for the dignity and rights of Black migrants, we are acutely sensitive to the dissonance of witnessing both the President and Members of Congress, who purport to value our communities, actively harming us. In the past few years, under this administration, we've seen the continuation of Title 42, where there were mass deportations of Black migrants, many of whom were pregnant women and babies. This year, on the eve of Black History Month, the Biden Administration deported several Black Mauritanians back to a country that practices slavery. Today, as we process and mourn the death of a Senegalese migrant in a detention center we have consistently been calling for the closure of due to its history of harm and negligence, another attack on our communities emerges in the form of this supplemental bill text. This bill serves as a testament to the Biden administration and Senate leadership's complicity in fanning the flames of White nationalism. Black asylum seekers fleeing persecution often bear the heaviest brunt of anti-immigrant policies, namely by unfounded presumptions of fraud by immigration officials during asylum interviews or hearings and being detained and deported at a higher rate than other migrants. Any policy that raises the standards of an already discriminatory system will inevitably harm Black migrants."

Executive Director at UndocuBlack Network, Patrice Lawrence, said: “The Senate at Genocide Joe’s behest has barreled through with the presentation of a bill that guts asylum, punishes those who seek asylum with incarceration and puts a quota on how many people are entitled to protection.  The paradox that this bill goes alongside the demands for more money for killing Palestinians is a gross reminder that as a practice, America is choosing to value only certain people as people and bar or bomb the rest. 

Surreptitiously, February, which is also Black History Month, has been laden with anti-Black decisions from the Biden-Harris Administration since the beginning of their Administration in 2021. One may recall the UndocuBlack breaking news, “ICE Deports Black Immigrants On First Day Of Black History Month,” on February 1, 2021. We strongly caution against and condemn a yes vote on this supplemental bill, which furthers a nasty trend by this White House.” Congress must reject this bill and any similar ones that would prevent asylum seekers from exercising not only their legal rights but also their human rights to seek safety.”

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EVERY MONTH IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT THE UNDOCUBLACK NETWORK: WHERE WE FIGHT FOR BLACK LIBERATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 1, 2024

Media Contact: Bethelhem@undocublack.org 

WASHINGTON D.C. – The UndocuBlack Network fiercely and unapologetically stands for Black liberation in all its forms. We bear witness to the glaring parallels between the historic liberation struggles for Black folks in the U.S. and the urgent challenges and multifaceted discriminations faced by Black undocumented migrants today. The echoes of systemic injustice persist — fueled by harmful, xenophobic, and white supremacist policies. This year, as we celebrate and honor the legacies of our ancestors, we continue to stand on the shoulders of Black revolutionaries to continue the sacred work of Black liberation. 

President Biden's recent stunt to embrace a white-supremacist approach to immigration policy is an unsurprising setback in the ongoing struggle for Black liberty. The harmful policies, such as the ones currently being negotiated and have been reported to include expedited removals and a plan to "shut down the border," will harm Black asylum seekers and perpetuate the violent cycle of disproportionately detaining and deporting them. This move, similar to his predecessor's multiple attacks on the right to asylum, inflicts harm by implementing policies that disproportionately target and adversely impact Black immigrant communities. 

This Black History Month, we demand the Biden Administration and policymakers to reject harmful policies and to affirm their position in safeguarding the dignity and rights of Black communities, irrespective of their country of origin and immigration status. We acknowledge this country's brutal legacy of state-sanctioned physical and systemic violence against Black communities and the blatant replication of past struggles. 

Through our community organizing, unwavering commitment to healing justice, protecting our overall wellness, dedication to shifting harmful narratives about our people, building strategic alliances, and commitment to advocating for more just policies, we remain dedicated to a non-negotiable fight for the sanctity of Black lives. 

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