Expedited Removals to Expedite a Genocide: UndocuBlack Condemns Biden’s Proposal of Fast-track Deportations as Negotiations for Supplemental Funding Continue

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 12, 2023

Washington DC- Reports indicate that the Biden Administration is negotiating with Congressional Republicans to pawn the rights of immigrants to fund a genocide, war, and continued border militarization. Critical aspects of Biden's proposal include nationwide expedited removals and dismantling the right to seek asylum in the U.S. through a transit ban and other changes to asylum law.

UndocuBlack and many other advocacy groups have long spoken out against the harms of a transit ban and other proposed changes to asylum policy. It has been reported that the negotiations include measures that will heavily criminalize asylum seekers, and our organization has long been sounding the alarm about how Black immigrants will also be bearing the brunt of these practices. Further, the supplemental funding bill would add $7.8 billion to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), two agencies with a long-standing history of racism and little to no accountability toward our communities. 

Haddy Gassema, Undocublack Network’s Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: 

 “ Whether here in the U.S., on the southern border, or in Gaza, our struggles for liberation are connected. The current administration has already done so much harm to immigrant communities and has the blood of Palestinians on its hands. This latest ploy to get the right to asylum and deport people with no due process to fund the ongoing genocide of Palestinians is uncontainable. Instead of attaching harmful immigration provisions to a funding request, we urge the Administration and Members of Congress to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and to lean into more humane and dignified immigration policies that support asylum seekers and immigrant communities in the interior of the country.”

The recent addition of expedited removal, a legal term of art that describes the process of deporting an individual without giving them access to an attorney or hearing before an immigration judge, to Biden's tranche of harmful immigration policies bears a chilling resemblance to President Trump's second term immigration proposal. Expedited removals are currently limited to use at or near the border; Biden's recent proposal would expand its use to the country's interior for up to two years after a personal arrival into the U.S.  

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UndocuBlack Network Urges Lawmakers to Safeguard Asylum Protections Amid Supplemental Funding Negotiations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 29, 2023

Contact: bethelhem T. Negash, bethelhem@undocublack.org

WASHINGTON D.C – As a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators continue negotiations on President Biden's supplemental funding request this week, the UndocuBlack Network urges lawmakers to safeguard critical asylum protections. As discussions on funding for Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel are underway, lawmakers are taking this as an opportunity to destroy the right to asylum permanently. 

The negotiations include the resumption of border wall construction, which would increase the surveillance and long-standing monitoring and criminalization of Black asylum seekers. Another dangerous provision of the ongoing negotiations is the potential implementation of the "safe third country" rule, which would render migrants who transited through another country before getting to the U.S. border, ineligible for asylum. 

Patrice Lawrence, Executive Director of UndocuBlack Network said “ It is disgraceful to have to implore lawmakers to do the bare minimum act of protecting the right to asylum. Taking actions to safeguard and fortify asylum protections for those fleeing harm and violence should be glaringly obvious. Doing so is inherently humane and simply put, the right thing to do. Repeatedly, lawmakers recklessly jeopardize the lives of migrants seeking refuge and asylum by introducing policies that disproportionately harm our communities.This is especially true for Black migrants, who undoubtedly already carry the heaviest brunt of a racist immigration enforcement system. There are no safe “third countries'' for Black asylum seekers. A border wall and increased surveillance will only perpetuate this nation’s long history of criminalizing Black and Brown people. Instead of leaning into the anti-Black xenophobic policies at the center of the current negotiations,  lawmakers should demonstrate unwavering commitment to human decency and unequivocally prioritize the well-being of asylum seekers and stop using our communities’ safety as their bargaining chip.”

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UndocuBlack Network Urges the Biden Administration to call for a Ceasefire in Gaza instead of Funding the Genocide of Palestinian People

Oct 25, 2023

Contact: ubncomms@UndocuBlack.org

Washington D.C – UndocuBlack stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine, especially those in the occupied territories of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, as they face  brutal and fatal attacks during their ongoing struggle for justice, freedom, and the right to self-determination. Yesterday, we sent a letter to the Congressional Black Caucus urging them to sign on to the Ceasefire Resolution (H.Res 786) in the House of Representatives co-led by Reps. Cori Bush and Rashida Tlaib.  As an organization dedicated to the support and empowerment of Black currently and formerly undocumented people, we recognize oppression in its various forms and call for the Israeli government and its abettors including the U.S. government to end their attacks on the Palestinian territories and its people. Our collective liberation is tied to and depends on the liberation of the Palestinian people. 

Historically, the U.S. military has been an active agent of destabilization and violence in our home countries in the same way that it is currently funding and supporting the settler state of Israel in its ethnic cleansing of Gaza and occupied Palestine. The current and ongoing violence in Gaza has resulted in an alarming loss of life, marking one of the highest death tolls in Gaza’s history. The dire situation has left many Palestinians without access to basic necessities such as food, water, and essential medicines and healthcare. No human should endure such violence or be deprived of their fundamental human rights. 

What we are witnessing in Israel’s most recent set of war crimes and violations of international law, is inextricably linked to a long history of colonial powers, displacing and removing people from their land. Generations of Palestinians have been forced from their homes, experiencing profound trauma as they battle the emotional toll of being uprooted from their land and communities. An apartheid regime, marked by discriminatory policies coupled with systemic oppression has perpetuated a cycle of suffering and instability, leaving millions of  people dead or in a state of uncertainty and vulnerability. 

Our liberation as a community of Black immigrants is directly linked to the liberation of all marginalized people. It is not lost on us that the Biden administration's recent supplemental funding request of $106 billion to aid Israel, includes $13.6 billion in border funding. Along with potentially aiding in the killing of thousands of Palestinians, Biden’s supplemental funding package would expand immigrant detention and deportation, and fund programs that facilitate further surveillance of our communities.

The UndocuBlack Network follows the rich tradition of our Black liberationist ancestors such as Nelson Mandela and Malcolm X in saying that the continuous attacks on Palestine must stop. As advocates working within the United States, we are bearing witness to an increase of hate crime, islamophobia, and antisemitism correlated with the events abroad. We have learned from freedom fighters that the root of these dehumanizing ideologies is the seed of white supremacy and they serve as a tool of division. 

It is crucial that anyone who believes in justice and freedom prioritize the demands of the people of Gaza and works towards preventing further deaths, displacement and suffering. We urgently call on the Biden administration to take immediate action to support a ceasefire in Palestine by:

• Answering the stated demands in  H.Res 786, co-led by Reps. Cori Bush and Rashida Tlaib which include :

1. Facilitate the delivery of lifesaving assistance, including food, medical supplies, fuel, and the resumption of electricity and internet to Gaza, in addition to the safe passage of humanitarian and medical staff  

2. Free all civilian hostages, especially children and elderly

3. Allow humanitarian convoys to reach UN facilities, schools, hospitals, and health facilities in northern Gaza and commit to protecting them along with the civilians and staff inside them at all times

4. Rescind orders by the Government of Israel for civilians to depart northern Gaza

5. Allow patients in critical condition to be medically evacuated for urgent care

• Withdrawing tax dollars from supporting the ethnic cleansing of Gaza and the West Bank

We must foster a path of peace for all individuals in the region. UndocuBlack calls for the humanity of oppressed people to be honored and respected. 

For additional resources visit bit.ly/StopGazaGenocide.

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UndocuBlack Network Responds to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Extension and Redesignation for Cameroon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, October 6, 2023 

Contact: Bethelhem T. Negash  bethelhem@undocublack.org

 Washington D.C., October 6, 2023 – The UndocuBlack Network celebrates the announcement of the extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Cameroon. This decision is a testament to the dedication of Cameroonian community members and advocates who have long highlighted the ongoing armed conflicts and socio-political tensions in Cameroon. The country conditions in Cameroon have left thousands of dead, 4.4 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, and over 1 million people internally displaced. Deporting anyone to Cameroon would be an amoral and cruel act. It is not lost on us that our communities fought tirelessly to convince the Biden-Harris administration to make the choice of designating TPS for Cameroon. 

 Taisha Saintil, Senior Policy Analyst and Founding Member of Cameroon Advocacy Network, said “We welcome this much-needed announcement and rejoice with our Cameroonian siblings. We are grateful for all the partner organizations and allies whom we worked alongside to get this victory. We will continue to work with and follow the leadership of the Cameroonian community to ensure that their needs are heard and prioritized. As we celebrate this designation, we also remember other members of our community in the U.S. who need the humanitarian protection and relief of TPS.” 

 Nationals from Mauritania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, and Nigeria are all experiencing country conditions that make it unsafe for their respective nationals to be returned. The UndocuBlack Network will continue to request that the Biden-Harris administration keep its promises to Black immigrant communities by providing protection for those who would face harm if returned to their home countries. Anything less is a conscious choice to lean into anti-Blackness by prioritizing deportation flights over the lives of Black immigrants.   

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Two Years After the Del Rio Abuses: No Accountability or Improvements in the Treatment of Black Migrants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, September 19, 2023

Media Contact: Bethelhem T. Negash  bethelhem@undocublack.org

Washington D.C – Two years following the viral image of Border Patrol agents seemingly whipping Haitian migrants, the fight for a just and equitable immigration system continues. Today, we reflect on the visceral pain of that singular image, and the myriad of human rights violations that would follow for several more days. The harm caused at Del Rio was directed at Haitian asylum seekers, yet its ramifications extended to the Black community at large. Two years, a sham investigation and multiple lawsuits later, the experience of Black asylum seekers at the southern border has not changed. The lack of dignity and care in the treatment of Black migrants continues. 

Taisha Santil, Senior Policy Analyst at UndocuBlack, said:  

“When I arrived in Del Rio exactly two years ago today, my very first task was to reunite a newborn baby that was airlifted in a helicopter with his parents. This family was one of many with newborns that were denied basic necessities such as shelter and medical care. This incident marks one of the very first times the general public of  the U.S. truly saw the outright anti-Blackness embedded in the immigration system. The viral picture of the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agent chasing a Haitian man on a horse is a symbol of the continued dehumanization of Black people. After they suffered and bore witness to CBP abuse in Del Rio, these asylum seekers were subjected to the U.S. government’s continued mistreatment and anti-Black prejudice that summarily expelled them without any due process to Haiti. I look forward to the day that the U.S. will provide equitable opportunities to all asylum seekers, not humiliation.”   

This year, we have  seen the Bident administration prioritize the deportation of Haitians, Mauritanians, and many other Black asylum seekers. We’ve witnessed and mourned the preventable death of an eight-year-old Black child in CBP custody. We’ve called out the lack of language access and any semblance of due process for detained Black migrants. The Biden administration's failure to recognize the human rights of Black migrants is nothing new, but it does not have to be this way. The Administration can save itself from a legacy of anti-Blackness, by choosing compassion and welcoming rather than deterrence. The UndocuBlack Network demands that the Administration radically reinvent how they welcome Black immigrants. Instead of humiliation, detention, and deportation, the U.S. must build an equitable humanitarian protection system that welcomes those seeking refuge, regardless of race, ethnicity, background and country of origin. Seeking asylum is a human right and it’s critical for the U.S. to adhere to international and human rights laws, and exclude all racial bias and prejudice in the process.

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The UndocuBlack Network Denounces the Recent DACA Ruling and Calls for Permanent Protections for all Immigrants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Media Contact: Bethelhem T. Negash

                          bethelhem@undocublack.org

Washington D.C – Yesterday, Judge Hanen of the U.S District Court ruled  that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is “unlawful”. The UndocuBlack Network is unwavering in our mission to support the rights of Black  immigrants, especially in light of this recent DACA decision. While we are profoundly enraged and disappointed by the ruling from Judge Hanen, it sadly doesn’t come as a surprise. We have long stressed the need to provide permanent protections and a clear path to citizenship for all immigrants, including DACA recipients. This decision highlights the urgent need for immigration policies  that go beyond temporary solutions like DACA.

While this decision allows for current  recipients to continue renewing their DACA status, this half measure does not address the underlying issues that put the future of Black immigrants in jeopardy. Once again, we name the temporariness of programs  such as DACA, that are subject to legal and political uncertainties,  trap  our community members in  a perpetual state of legal limbo. Our people are tired of teetering between court decisions, administrative whims and program deadlines. The UndocuBlack Network strongly disagrees with this decision and is committed to defending our  DACA recipient community members .The UndocuBlack Network remains resilient in our commitment and determination to our mission in the face of disheartening challenges. We will keep fighting to protect and empower the 11 million undocumented immigrants and continue to work towards securing their rights and permanent protections.

Ronnie James, DACA Recipient , UndocuBlack Network’s Community Engagement Director , said: 

“While I am undoubtedly frustrated by Judge Hanen’s decision on DACA, I know that this is only a setback. Being a DACA recipient is to know that the program faces relentless attacks — attacks that feel harder to push back each time. However, my community is a source of support and hope for me. DACA’s inception owes much to the tireless efforts of immigrants, and our advocacy ensures its persistence today. Although the program has been transformative for recipients and their loved ones, it falls short of providing the enduring solution that all 11 million undocumented immigrants rightfully deserve.” 

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Florida's SB 1718: An Attack on Black Migrants That Fans the Flames of Discrimination

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 30,2023

Contact: Bethelhem Negash, bethelhem@undocublack.org 

Washington, DC - The UndocuBlack Network vehemently denounces the Florida Senate Bill 1718 (SB 1718), a regressive and racist bill Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law on May 10, 2023. This immigration bill which will go into effect on July 1, 2023, will have severe and detrimental consequences for an already marginalized community and poses a significant threat to the well-being and rights of Black immigrants in the State. 

The UndocuBlack Network opposes SB 1718 and its harmful implications that continues to entrench systemic barriers that disproportionately harm Black immigrants as the low-hanging fruit. In solidarity with all immigrant communities across Florida, we will continue to fight against all harmful policies and punitive measures that perpetuate cycles of exploitation, dehumanization, and criminalization of Black migrants and tear our communities apart. 

“SB 1718, signed into law by Governor Desantis, contains provisions that disproportionately affect Black immigrants, exacerbating existing disparities and perpetuating systemic injustice”, said Haddy Gassama, National Director of Policy and Advocacy. “The bill introduces restrictive measures that impede the ability of Black immigrants to access crucial resources and opportunities, hindering their integration into society and further marginalizing them. Most concerning to our community, the bill mandates greater collaboration between state and federal immigration enforcement agencies, leading to heightened scrutiny, profiling, and targeting of Black immigrants.”

“This law undermines due process rights by expanding the authority of state officials to question immigration status during routine interactions, such as traffic stops”, said Grace Njagi, Policy Analyst. “Among other harmful provisions, SB 1718 also perpetuates racial disparities in access to resources, exacerbating existing inequalities and impeding the community's ability to thrive by restricting access to critical social services, including healthcare, and education based on immigration status. This provision opens the door to racial profiling and discriminatory practices, leading to unjust targeting of Black immigrants.”

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The UndocuBlack Network Receives The Arthur C. Helton Human Rights Award

The UndocuBlack Network has been recognized by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) with the prestigious 2023 Arthur C. Helton Human Rights Award, for outstanding service in advancing the cause of human rights. The UndocuBlack Network , a multigenerational network of currently and formerly undocumented Black immigrants has dedicated its work and mission to empowering and uplifting Black undocumented immigrants by challenging marginalizing narratives around Black migration and advocating for policies that positively impact the UndocuBlack community and its wellness.

Founded in 2016, the UndocuBlack Network strives to secure truly inclusive immigrant rights and racial justice movements that advocate for the rights of Black undocumented individuals, provide healing spaces, and community to those with intersecting identities. In April 2023, UndocuBlack Network was the winner of the Frederick Douglass award.

UndocuBlack and AILA have partnered several times recently to provide essential educational resources and an informed perspective on the unjust circumstances surrounding immigration policy with regards to Black immigrant communities. UndocuBlack was featured in a recent AILA roundtable “Immigration is a Black Issue” facilitated by AILA former President Allen Orr in honor of Black History Month.

Further, UndocuBlack has taken a leadership role in national and international campaigns including the fight for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and the network has been instrumental in securing the largest form of legislative relief in over two decades to secure immigration relief for Liberians in 2019, aiding 10,000 Liberians to now have a more secure footing in their communities through the passage of the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act. The organization has worked closely with members of the Congressional Black Caucus on efforts to pass the Dream Act as well. Another major stand out program is UndocuBlack’s intentional development of a mental wellness program for its members to improve access to much needed health resources by the Black undocumented community who suffer from racist immigration policy and the trauma of fleeing violence and devastation in their home countries. Their work has directly resulted in positive change in the area of human rights.

Moreover, the UndocuBlack Network has spearheaded multiple campaigns to secure Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of immigrants. 

The UndocuBlack is a part of numerous  initiatives to create and hold space for its membership and with the Black immigrant community at large.  The network has been actively creating community spaces that are open to members to have discourse on their collective Black immigrant experiences, community training to help arm constituents with important information and tools to launch community kickbacks and programs that offer an opportunity to rest and interact with others that understand the ‘undocublack’ story.

The Arthur C. Helton Human Rights Award, named after Arthur Helton –  lawyer, refugee advocate, teacher and author – has been established and presented annually since 1983 and was renamed 2003. The award has been presented In recognition of outstanding service in advancing the cause of human rights by the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the national association of immigration lawyers established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.

The UndocuBlack Network has also been recognized by the National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild (NIPNLG).

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