As DHS Announces Slashing DACA, UndocuBlack Calls Out Trump’s Cowardly Evasion of SCOTUS Ruling

July 28, 2020

For Immediate Release 

Contact: info@undocublack.org 

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Trump’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a memo that defies last month’s (5-4) Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) decision in favor of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).  On June 18, SCOTUS ruled that Trump’s termination of the program was “arbitrary and capricious lawmaking,” and reversed the Trump administration’s termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in 2017. 

This new attack from the Trump Administration will affect current and future applicants and halts the program as it is currently written. The memo pledges for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) under DHS  to do the following: 

USCIS will not accept any new DACA applications.  

• All DACA renewals will now be limited to one(1)  year grants, instead of the previous two (2) years of protection and employment authorization.

• USCIS will not approve for  pending or future advanced parole. 

• USCIS will honor previous and current DACA and employment authorization.  They will not be revoked and allowed to expire at the initial two year limit.  

As Black communities continue to be disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, the Trump Administration barrels down on their commitment to cruelty. They further stated that all DACA applications will now be reviewed and rejected at the discretion of DHS. This current  attack on DACA will impact more than 700,000 active recipients and youth awaiting  renewal. 

 UndocuBlack Network releases the following quote: 

“ Trump is no stranger to the tactic of evasion, only now he is defying the ruling of the highest court in the land, SCOTUS. The DHS memo on DACA reveals that Trump is scared and unhinged, a dangerous combination.

As undocumented people including DACA reipients, we are grappling with loss of income, caregiving, and struggle to meet our basic needs as the pandemic takes its toll. Therefore, the  latest announcement from the White House to slash the DACA program to gain political leverage for the future is a cowardly, selfish act.  

 We reiterate our demand to Congress:  USCIS must immediately renew all 2020 DACA renewals for a period of two years or more. And, the Senate must pass H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act as it is written upon passage from the House over a year ago on June 4, 2019.  

 UndocuBlack is committed to challenge Trump’s cruelty for as long as he carelessly wrecks our lives. We have been and always will be resilient.  Humanity will prevail and history will vindicate us in the end.” 

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DACA Vindicated — SCOTUS Rules Against Trump

June 18, 2020

For Immediate Release 

Contact: info@undocublack.org 

WASHINGTON, DC - A DACA decision is in from the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS).  In a 5-4 decision, SCOTUS ruled against Trump, finding that the decision to rescind DACA was “arbitrary and capricious lawmaking,”  The ruling reverses the Trump administration’s termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in 2017.

SCOTUS ruling says, "The dispute before the Court is not whether DHS may rescind DACA. All parties agree that it may. The dispute is instead primarily about the procedure the agency followed in doing so. Because the DACA program is more than a non-enforcement policy, its rescission is subject to review under the APA. And because it was reviewable under the APA, "total rescission was arbitrary and capricious." The Supreme Court decided that DACA should return to the original mandate set in 2012. This mandate provides DACA recipients with work authorization and temporary relief from deportation. The SCOTUS decision requires DHS to begin accepting initial applications and advance parole applications but we do not know whether the Trump administration will take action limiting these options. 

While we await further clarification, let’s celebrate! This is a win for our communities. It is a win that comes on the eve of Juneteenth also known as freedom day, honoring that on June 19, 1865, Black freed people told America they were free.  We stand united with Black communities across the nation, and will continue to push against the added enforcement and criminalization of our communities. In the age of Black Lives Matter, UBN declares that reform of systems that criminalize Black communities is not the end! We will continue to fight for justice and dignity for our ENTIRE community. 

Below are some of the thoughts from UndocuBlack community members:

“So many of us have been fighting and waiting with bated breath for years now. This decision is definitely not the end all be all but we can finally have some relief. Now we need permanent status for all undocumented people!” - Chanelle, DACA Recipient

“While we are celebrating today the victory for some of our community members, we are still building towards the day when we can all be free.  Freedom is not citizenship for Black people, the paper only legitimizes  our presence. We look forward to dismantling the systems  that oppress us  and rebuilding a future where all undocumented  Black people get true justice. This fight does not end here. #DefundICE #DefundCBP #DefundPolice" - Patrice Lawrence, co-director, UndocuBlack

“I'm excited at this victory for 600,000 DACA recipients like me who now know with more certainty what the next two years can hold for us! Now for legislation that is inclusive of our parents, all 11 Million Undocumented immigrants who call this country home and future immigrants who will and continue to migrate to the US." - Ronnie James, DACA Recipient, UBN NYC Chapter lead

“Since November every Monday has been an anxious start to the week - kept feeling like a decision in  favor of DACA ending would happen and life as I know it would end. It's a huge relief but still feel like there's just an extension on our expiration date. I've told my story over and over in the past 3 years and been in the House galley when the Dream and Promise Act was passed. The feeling of gratitude and relief seems temporary and will only be solidified with the passing of actual legislation. I'm grateful, anxious and hopeful.” - Mwewa Sumbwe, DACA Recipient, UBN DMV Chapter lead

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Trump and DHS Must Automatically Renew DACAs That Expire This Year

UndocuBlack Network | info@undocublack.org | (240) 903-0189

Due to COVID-19 USCIS offices are closing, which will delay critical DACA renewals 

Washington, DC - Last night, USCIS announced they will temporarily close offices to the public from March 18 through April 1. According to the USCIS announcement, “USCIS field offices will send notices to applicants and petitioners with scheduled appointments impacted by this closure.”  This closure will delay critical DACA renewals since DACA recipients need to physically go to a USCIS office for their biometrics appointment. 

United We Dream, NAKASEC, and UndocuBlack Network are calling on Trump and the Department of Homeland Security to automatically extend DACA protections that expire in 2020 and to withdraw their DACA case at the Supreme Court during a pandemic crisis that is further endangering all of our communities. What this global health crisis has made even more clear for us is that our individual safety depends on the safety of all people. We cannot allow Trump and his cruel policies that have gotten us to this place, to continue attacking the most vulnerable in our communities.

Patrice Lawrence, Co-Director, UndocuBlack Network, said: 

"Black communities are disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. We are grappling with loss of income, caregiving and struggle to meet our basic needs as the pandemic takes its toll. The Trump Administration’s continuous, senseless, cruel and irresponsible attack on DACA recipients will only add to the devastation as our DACA recipients face impending detention, deportation and loss of work permits. We, therefore, demand that USCIS immediately renew all DACA renewals and the Administration must withdraw the SCOTUS case on DACA. 

The United States is home to over 700,000 DACA recipients and during this global crisis, we deserve the decency of having what we need to provide for our families. We need to be able to keep our loved ones safe and healthy without this Administration playing politics with our lives. COVID-19 does not discriminate, it is therefore imperative, now more than ever, that every single one of us focuses our energy on keeping each other healthy and protecting the vulnerable, instead of tearing lives apart.”    

Cristina Jiménez, Executive Director & Co-Founder of United We Dream, said:

“Immigrant young people and our families are not only dealing with the life-altering COVID-19 outbreak, but now DACA recipients are at risk of losing their deportation protections and their work permits. The USCIS office closure is creating even more fear and anxiety within our communities, because we’ve not only seen people lose their jobs and healthcare, but the deportation force of ICE and CBP are cruelly continuing their detentions and deportations during this global pandemic. 

Trump and the Department of Homeland Security must immediately announce that they will automatically extend, for two years, all permits for DACA recipients whose protections expire before the end of 2020. We cannot allow Trump and his anti-immigrant agenda to use this global health crisis to further attack DACA recipients, their families and communities.” 

Jung Woo Kim, Organizing Director for NAKASEC, said: 

“During this time, many of our parents are getting laid off or their small businesses are closing and because of their immigration status, they are not eligible for unemployment insurance, emergency small business assistance, or other forms of public aid. Being able to maintain DACA status even as USCIS offices are closed is critical for our families. Asian Americans are particularly vulnerable, with growing incidents of physical and verbal attacks directly due to  President Trump’s racist rhetoric. What we need is solidarity, not racism.”

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The UndocuBlack Network (UBN) is a multigenerational network of currently and formerly undocumented Black people that fosters community, facilitates access to resources, and contributes to transforming the realities of our people, so we are thriving and living our fullest lives.

 www.undocublack.org

United We Dream is the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the nation, a powerful network made up of over 400,000 members and 48 affiliate organizations across 26 states. UWD’s vision is to build a multi-racial, multi-ethnic movement of young people who organize and advocate at the local and national levels for the dignity and justice of immigrants and communities of color in the United States. You can find more about UWD online at www.unitedwedream.org.

Founded in 1994, the National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC)’s mission is to organize Korean and Asian Americans to achieve social, economic, and racial justice.  NAKASEC maintains offices in Annandale, Virginia, Chicago, Illinois and Los Angeles, California. NAKASEC has affiliates in Chicago (HANA Center), Los Angeles and Orange County (Korean Resource Center), and Virginia (NAKASEC VA). www.nakasec.org

Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, UndocuBlack Network, and African Communities Together File FOIA Requests to Uncover DHS’s Decision-making Process that Led to Expanded Muslim Ban

March 7, 2020

For Immediate Release 

Contact: Info@undocublack.org

Washington, DC (March 5, 2020) –  The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the UndocuBlack Network, and African Communities Together filed a series of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests seeking information about the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) assessment that led to the Trump Administration issuing a proclamation announcing an expansion of the Muslim Ban to include Eritrea, Nigeria, Tanzania, Sudan, Myanmar (Burma) and Kyrgyzstan. New immigrant visas will no longer be issued to nationals from Nigeria, Eritrea, Myanmar (Burma), and Kyrgyzstan. The ban will also exclude nationals from the countries of Sudan and Tanzania from eligibility for the diversity visa program. 

The expanded ban under this proclamation is based on recommendations the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security submitted to the White House on September 13, 2019. According to the White House, Acting Secretary Kevin McAleenan made his recommendation after DHS conducted a worldwide review on the security practices of foreign governments. The FOIA requests seek clarity on this “worldwide review” to ascertain why certain African countries were targeted by DHS. 

“The administration’s move to expand the Muslim ban is further evidence of its anti-Black immigration agenda,” said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “Although the administration’s proclamation is based on so-called national security concerns, we are confident that our FOIA request will help shed light on the real motives and objectives driving this latest ban which primarily targets African countries. We will continue to use every tool in our arsenal to expose the ways in which racism infects the policy actions undertaken by this administration.” 

Patrice Lawrence, co-director of UndocuBlack Network noted that “The Muslim Ban was a fulfilled promise from the Trump administration and we know they left a trail of their hatred against Muslims and Black Muslims and Africans in particular.  From the countless unfounded visa rejections to Black migrants being deported at a rate nearly double any other migrant group, this government has exercised its anti-Black agenda at will. This new African Ban codifies the anti-Blackness and hate against Muslims. Filing this FOIA is our opportunity to hold the administration accountable to the truth.” 

“The Trump Administration’s stated reasons for targeting African countries with their latest immigration ban don’t make any sense,” said Amaha Kassa, executive director of African Communities Together. “The public and the affected communities deserve to know why these countries were targeted and others that appear to pose much greater security risks were not. We look forward to examining the record and getting to the truth.” 

A copy of the Freedom of Information Act request can be found here.

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About the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. Now in its 56th year, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is continuing its quest to “Move America Toward Justice.” The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice for all, particularly in the areas of criminal justice, fair housing and community development, economic justice, educational opportunities, and voting rights. 

About the UndocuBlack Network 

UndocuBlack Network is a multi-generational network of currently and formerly undocumented Black people that fosters community, facilitates access to resources, and contributes to transforming the realities of our communities, so that all people are thriving and living their fullest lives.  

About African Communities Together 

African Communities Together (ACT) is an organization of African immigrants fighting for civil rights, opportunity, and a better life for our families here in the U.S. and worldwide. ACT empowers African immigrants to integrate socially, get ahead economically, and engage civically. We connect African immigrants to critical services, help Africans develop as leaders, and organize our communities on the issues that matter. 

Expanded Muslim Ban Takes Effect, National Groups Respond to the Expansion of the Muslim Ban Targeting More Black Immigrants:

February 21, 2020

For Immediate Release 

CONTACT: Kara Tippins

202-662-8327

Washington, DC – On January 31, 2020, the Trump Administration issued a proclamation announcing an expansion of the Muslim Ban to include Nigeria, Tanzania, Eritrea, Sudan, Burma and Kyrgyzstan. As of today, new immigrant visas will no longer be issued to nationals from Myanmar, Nigeria, Kyrgyzstan and Eritrea. The ban will also exclude nationals from the countries of Sudan and Tanzania from eligibility for the diversity visa program.

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and UndocuBlack Network issued the following statements. 

“Our nation’s immigration policies should not subject immigrants to punitive or discriminatory treatment based on the color of their skin. The administration’s latest ban clearly targets the Black diaspora as four of the six new countries are on the continent of Africa,” said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “Much like the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Sudan, Nicaragua, Haiti, El Salvador, Nepal and Honduras, and the termination of Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberia, the latest Muslim Ban appears to be motivated by racial animus. This administration’s open hostility toward Black and brown people, and Muslims is undeniable and unacceptable.”

“One thing is true, this expanded Muslim Ban, like all immigration sanctions brought under this administration, are wholly and fully irresponsible and unnecessary. Another thing is true, this country has a real problem with Blackness and any proximity to it,” said Patrice Lawrence, co-director of the UndocuBlack Network. “The Muslim Ban targets African immigrant visas and diversity visas; statuses that afford recipients an opportunity to establish long-term stability. The reason for this proclamation is simple. It’s a brazen attempt to control the future demographic makeup of this country. Behind these bans and visa sanctions are real people with real families — facing the pain and uncertainty that family separation brings.”

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About the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. Now in its 56th year, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is continuing its quest to “Move America Toward Justice.” The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice for all, particularly in the areas of criminal justice, fair housing and community development, economic justice, educational opportunities, and voting rights.

About the UndocuBlack Network 

UndocuBlack Network is a multi-generational network of currently and formerly undocumented Black people that fosters community, facilitates access to resources, and contributes to transforming the realities of our communities, so that all people are thriving and living their fullest lives. www.undocublack.org

UndocuBlack Network statement on the expansion of the Muslim Ban to target more Black Immigrants

January 31, 2020

For Immediate Release 

Contact: Info@undocublack.or

Washington, DC -  The Trump Administration today released a  proclamation announcing an expansion of the Muslim Ban to include the following countries: Myanmar, Nigeria, Kyrgyzstan , Eritrea, Sudan and Tanzania.  The restrictions on Myanmar, Nigeria, Kyrgyzstan and Eritrea include issuance of new immigrant visas. Meanwhile, the ban will exclude nationals from the countries of Sudan and Tanzania from eligibility for the diversity visa program.  The aforementioned restrictions, which target those with intent to reside in the United States, will take effect February 22, 2020 according to DHS. 

This is not the first time that the Trump Administration has targeted Black diaspora in general and nationals from African countries in particular.  From the attacks on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) on Sudan in 2017, to the visa sanctions on Eritrea in the same year, the white house has been consistent with their hate for Black Muslims. 

Since the first version of the Muslim Ban in 2017, we have seen an increase in the detention and deportion of nationals from the white house list, including Abdi, a Somali green card holder, father and husband, as well as many other Black Muslims who have been racially profiled and criminalized at our borders and airports across the country. 

“One thing is true, the Muslim Ban like all immigration sanctions brought under this administration are wholly and fully irresponsible and unnecessary. Another thing is true, this country has a real problem with Blackness and any proximity to it.

The reasons keep changing about why it is that the Trump administration wants to keep Black and brown people out. And that's because there is no honest reason, except for racism and xenophobia.  Behind these bans and visa sanctions are real people with real families — facing the pain and uncertainty that family separation brings.

The attack on African migration isn't a new tactic--from abruptly ending Temporary Protected Status, to the 2017 visa sanctions on Eritrea, and a 21% drop in Nigerians traveling to the US due to visa restrictions -- this expansion will be a continuation of Trump’s white supremacist agenda seeking to end the migration of Black and Brown people.”

#AfricanBan #MuslimBan” - Patrice S. Lawrence, Co-director, UndocuBlack Network 

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'IT IS NOW LAW' BLACK IMMIGRANT ORGANIZATIONS AND CIVIL RIGHTS GROUPS APPLAUD THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT’S PATHWAY TO PERMANENT RESIDENCY FOR LIBERIAN IMMIGRANTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 20, 2019   

WASHINGTON – African Communities Together and UndocuBlack Network, along with the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and Lawyers for Civil Rights, applaud the provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that allows eligible Liberians to gain permanent residency in the United States. We lift up the courageous leadership of Liberian immigrants with Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure, and their communities and families who have bravely spoken up and advocated for permanent status for over 20 years.

We sincerely thank and applaud Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) for their steadfast support of the Liberian community across the country. This provision, modeled after Senator Reed's Liberian Refugee and Immigrant Fairness Act, is a major victory for Liberians who have been living in the U.S. on temporary status, some for over 20 years. Permanent status will afford these Liberians, their families, and their communities the certainty, stability, and security that their temporary status has not provided.

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About African Communities Together

African Communities Together is an organization of African immigrants fighting for civil rights, opportunity, and a better life for African families in the U.S. and worldwide. ACT connects African immigrants to critical services, helps Africans develop as leaders, and organizes African immigrant communities on the issues that matter. www.africans.us

About the UndocuBlack Network 

UndocuBlack Network is a multi-generational network of currently and formerly undocumented Black people that fosters community, facilitates access to resources, and contributes to transforming the realities of our communities, so that all people are thriving and living their fullest lives. www.undocublack.org

About the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination.  Now in its 56th year, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is continuing its quest “Move America Toward Justice.” The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice for all, particularly in the areas of criminal justice, fair housing and community development, economic justice, educational opportunities, and voting rights. For more information, please visit https://live-lawyers-committee-2020.pantheonsite.io

About Lawyers for Civil Rights

Lawyers for Civil Rights fosters equal opportunity and fights discrimination on behalf of people of color and immigrants. We engage in creative and courageous legal action, education, and advocacy in collaboration with law firms and community partners. We focus on impact areas that represent the front lines in today’s battle for equality and justice. LCR is headquartered in Boston. We represent clients across Massachusetts and surrounding communities—and the impact of our life-changing work ripples across the country.

Contact:

Assefash Makonnen,  African Communities Together

1 (646) 504-6103; assefash@africans.us

Patrice Lawrence, UndocuBlack Network

(240)9030189; patrice@undocublack.org 

 Lorelle Atkinson, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights

1 (202) 662-8317 ; latkinson@lawyerscommittee.org

Oren Nimni, Lawyers for Civil Rights Boston

1 (206) 200-9088

BLACK IMMIGRANT ORGANIZATIONS APPLAUD CONGRESSIONAL MOVE TOWARDS PROVIDING LIBERIAN IMMIGRANTS WITH IMMEDIATE PATH TO PERMANENT STATUS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 13, 2019   

Contact:
Brian Erickson (Camino PR), UndocuBlack Network

1 (631) 459-2173; brian@caminopr.com 

Assefash Makonnen,  African Communities Together

1 (646) 504-6103; assefash@africans.us

WASHINGTON, DC – African Communities Together and UndocuBlack Network are encouraged by the House of Representatives’ passage of a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that will allow eligible Liberians to gain permanent residency in the U.S. We lift up the courageous leadership of Liberian immigrants with Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure and their communities and families who have bravely spoken up and advocated for permanent status for over 20 years. 

We sincerely thank and applaud U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) for including the provision and for his steadfast support of the Liberian community in Rhode Island and across the country. This provision, modeled on Senator Reed's Liberian Refugee and Immigrant Fairness Act, is a major victory for upwards of 4,000 Liberians who have been living in the U.S. on temporary status, some for over 20 years. Permanent status will afford these Liberians, their families, and their communities the certainty, stability, and security that their temporary status has not provided. We urge the Senate to ensure inclusion of this provision in the final version of the NDAA and look forward to the President’s signature.

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About African Communities Together

African Communities Together is an organization of African immigrants fighting for civil rights, opportunity, and a better life for African families in the U.S. and worldwide. ACT connects African immigrants to critical services, helps Africans develop as leaders, and organizes African immigrant communities on the issues that matter. www.africans.us

About the UndocuBlack Network 

UndocuBlack Network is a multi-generational network of currently and formerly undocumented Black people that fosters community, facilitates access to resources, and contributes to transforming the realities of our communities, so that all people are thriving and living their fullest lives. www.undocublack.org