Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, representing the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, calls for a much-needed relief for the immigrant communities, particularly those from Africa and the Caribbean Diaspora.
Congresswoman Clarke, in making this call, wrote a letter with the support of 65 of her congressional colleagues to the Biden-Harris Administration urging them to prioritize immigration.
In the letter, Clarke highlighted that it is imperative to address the problems faced by Black migrants and their families. She emphasized the need for a comprehensive immigration reform and for the Administration to exercise existing legal authorities to bestow the Temporary Protective Services (TPS) designations and redesignations for Caribbean and African countries. The letter also made a plea to protect DACA recipients under threats of the courts and to address the unacceptable long green card and work permit backlog.
“Ours is a nation of immigrants, and diversity will always be our country’s strength. Our willingness to accept newcomers into our nation is a key component of our global influence and soft power” wrote the members. In continuing, the letter states “It is imperative we prioritize comprehensive immigration reform so we can address the inequities faced by Black immigrants within our immigration system. We must foster our immigration system which upholds the values of justice, fairness, inclusiveness, and compassion.”
The letter also states that despite the strong ties the immigrants have in the communities and their contributions to the economy – Black immigrants continue to face great uncertainty about their future in the country. “By not taking actions to address the specific barriers that Black immigrants face seeking immigration relief, the Administration is not only upholding the inequities that exist throughout many of the program but championing the continued silence around the experiences of the country’s Black immigrant population.
Executive Director of Immigration Hub, Sergio Gonzales, thanked Congresswoman Clarke, and the other members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) for calling on the Biden Administration to consider using all the necessary tools at its disposal to provide immediate relief and protection for the nation’s immigrants – including dreamers who are stuck in legal limbo. “The policy actions will help keep families together, strengthen our economy, and fortify America’s commitment to those seeking safety and freedom,” Sergio Gonzales added.
The letter for immigration reform received support from over twenty organizations serving immigrants across the country, all endorsing the Congresswoman’s plea for immigration relief from the Administration, for Black immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean.
