As a recent Black migrant from Ethiopia in the United States, I find myself continually humbled and grateful for the Black Americans who paved the way for me to pursue freedom in this country. It’s easy to think that the times when I would have been barred from sitting in certain places or using public services due to the color of my skin were a distant memory. However, the harsh reality is that it was only around 60 years ago when such discriminatory practices were prevalent. Just imagine, half a century ago, it was unimaginable for a Black person to even contemplate entering the U.S. as a migrant, and for those who did, predominantly from the English-speaking Caribbean, they were often dehumanized.
Before the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 was passed, U.S. immigration policies were centered around restricting migration from Africa and Asia. Congress passed the Immigration Act of 1917, effectively banning Asian, Mexican, and Mediterranean individuals from entering the United States. Seven years later, Congress passed the Immigration Act of 1924, commonly known as the Asian Exclusion Act. This law established a quota system that favored immigrants from Northern and Western Europe, severely limited immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe and Africa, and completely prohibited Arabs, Asians, and Indians. The law’s explicit purpose was to “preserve the idea of American homogeneity.”
It wasn’t until the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 that the race-based immigration quota system was abolished, replaced by a new system prioritizing refugees, individuals with special skills, and those with family members in the United States. This landmark legislation also prohibited discrimination in the issuance of immigrant visas based on race, sex, nationality, place of birth, or place of residence – all thanks to the tireless efforts of the Civil Rights Movement.
Due to the long history of immigration from the Caribbean since the early 1900s, Jamaica still accounts for the largest flow of Black immigrants, closely followed by Haiti. Notably, five of the top ten countries of resettling Black immigrants are Caribbean nations (Jamaica, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and the Dominican Republic), while the other five are sub-Saharan African countries (Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, and Liberia), underscoring the significant growth of the African-origin population since 2000.
Today, 1 in 10 Black individuals in the U.S. are migrants, contributing significantly to the nation’s growth. Despite these contributions throughout history, a recent report by Human Rights First concludes that U.S. border and asylum policies disproportionately harm Black asylum-seekers. Additionally, racial justice in the U.S. remains an ongoing struggle, with many activists tirelessly advocating for change.
Today, I’m proud to work with one of the largest welcome and resettlement agencies in the D.C. Metro area. This fiscal year, LSSNCA resettled 150 individuals from Africa – predominantly from Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Angola, as well as Haiti and Cuba. Hearing about the familiar journeys from program participants and witnessing their unique experiences reinforces my belief in the necessity of immigration reform. Such reform should not only provide a pathway for seeking safety in the U.S. but also enable a thriving environment for individuals to contribute to the economic, social, and cultural growth of this nation, irrespective of race, religion, or immigration status.
Hirut Gebretsadik is LSSNCA’s manager, communications. She currently resides in Maryland after arriving in the U.S. as an asylum-seeker in 2021.
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