The recently concluded 5th Immigration Summit held on July 11-12 at the Los Angeles Trade-Technical College provided a critical platform for addressing the unique challenges and triumphs of Black immigrants within the broader Black American community.
Hosted in the heart of the city, the summit attracted a diverse array of participants including policymakers, community leaders, advocates, and immigrants themselves, all united by a common goal: to foster understanding and devise solutions for the multifaceted issues faced by Black immigrants.
Mayor Karen Bass, an advocate for immigrant rights, provided insight into the work being done from Los Angeles during a fireside chat. Part of her discussion emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity with the immigrant community, regardless of place of origin.
“One area that we need to work on statewide is that in the same way that we fought over the years for undocumented people to have access to healthcare and education, regardless of what was happening in DC, we need to do the same thing around housing because we can move people into interim housing and we can pay for that, but we can’t move them into permanent housing because then we get into federal programs,” said Bass regarding the anniversary of Prop 187.
“I’ve spoken to the governor and other leaders about it, and we have to figure out a way to get that in the budget next year; otherwise, people will be stuck, and we don’t want them to be stuck. It’s hard enough even with folks that have access to permanent housing because we don’t have enough. But the undocumented are excluded completely.”
Bass also addressed the politicization of busing migrants to Los Angeles as done by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who sent 20 buses to Union Station in 2023. Some on board were originally from Venezuela, Honduras, Haiti, Brazil, Chile, Guatemala, China and Colombia.
Mayor Bass collaborated with a coalition of nonprofits to connect those individuals with services and reunite them with friends and family in Los Angeles and in other cities. A temporary emergency shelter had been opened and services were being provided by City departments as arrangements for travel or pickup were arranged.
“[Abbott] was intentionally trying to destabilize Democratic cities. It’s interesting that some of the cities he focused on had African American mayors. That was part of his intention to try to split populations and create conflicts. We wanted to do everything we could to be helpful to people,” Bass said.
Also, she highlighted several key initiatives aimed at supporting immigrants, including enhanced access to legal resources, educational opportunities, and healthcare services. She also called for greater collaboration between community organizations and local government to address the specific challenges faced by this population.
The summit featured numerous panel discussions and workshops that delved into the myriad challenges faced by Black immigrants in Los Angeles. One of the recurring themes was the issue of systemic racism, which often compounds the difficulties encountered by immigrants of African descent. Participants shared personal stories of discrimination in the workplace, housing market, and educational institutions, shedding light on the pervasive barriers that hinder their full integration into society.
Another critical issue discussed was the intersection of immigration and criminal justice. Many Black immigrants face the double jeopardy of being targeted by both immigration enforcement and the criminal justice system. This reality has led to heightened fear and mistrust of authorities, further isolating this community from essential services and support networks.
Despite the challenges, the summit also celebrated the numerous contributions of Black immigrants to Los Angeles. From entrepreneurs and artists to educators and healthcare professionals, Black immigrants play a vital role in the city’s cultural and economic vitality. Several success stories were highlighted, showcasing individuals who have overcome significant obstacles to achieve their dreams and make a positive impact on their communities.
The summit concluded with a call to action, urging attendees to continue advocating for the rights and well-being of immigrants. Several concrete steps were proposed, including increased funding for community-based organizations, policy reforms to protect immigrant rights, and public awareness campaigns to combat discrimination and xenophobia.
For more information, visit https://dornsife.usc.edu/eri/publications/state-of-immigrants-in-los-angeles-2024/.
