Black Immigrants Raise Voices Against Racial Inequality in NYC Protest

[Tuesday, 16th April, 2024] Over 1,000 migrants, primarily from Haiti, Guinea, and West Africa, gathered outside New York City Hall to call attention to issues facing Black immigrants in the city. The rally coincided with a City Council oversight hearing focused on the experiences of Black immigrants in the city’s shelter system.

While only around 250 people were accommodated inside the hearing, the large protest outside City Hall underscored the urgency of the issues raised by these communities.

City Council member Alexa Avilés, who is currently serving as chair of the Committee on Immigration, organized the hearing to highlight the testimony and stories of undocumented African immigrants living in the city’s shelters.

“We must uproot the anti-Blackness that plagues our systems of care—this work requires dedication, creativity, and a city willing to fund our short, mid, and long-term needs,” said Alexa.

Over 1,000 African Migrants Rally For Better Treatment and Work Permits

The protestors raised concerns about:

Racial Discrimination: Allegations of “anti-blackness” within the city’s shelter and immigration support systems, e.g communication barrier, insensitive treatment received from shelter staff, etc.

Work Permit Struggles: Difficulty obtaining work permits that would allow them to become financially independent.

Reduced Shelter Support: Concerns about overcrowding and limited resources available in city shelters.

Official Response

New York City officials acknowledged the current setbacks faced by migrants and highlighted existing programs aimed at providing support in the longer run. While the Mayor’s office emphasized efforts to provide dignified living conditions, they also pointed towards the federal government’s responsibility in addressing work permit backlogs.

The Way Forward

The April 16th protest shed light on the daily challenges faced by Black immigrants navigating the city’s immigration and shelter systems. While the city has acknowledged the cry and emphasized undergoing steps put into place to address these issues, implementation of the said concrete changes is what the protesters and every black immigrant with an American dream are holding on to.