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will not sit by while families are torn apart, while another “bigger” Muslim or African ban is imposed, or while TPS is rescinded.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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