Nigerian Center’s Response to the 2026 State of the Union

President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union emphasized border enforcement and national security. While enforcement is part of the immigration conversation, immigration itself is far broader. It shapes America’s workforce, strengthens families, drives innovation, and anchors U.S. global leadership, particularly in its partnership with Africa.

The Nigerian Center believes the Black immigrant community must move from being a footnote in U.S. immigration policy to a headline. As we highlight in our Washington Prosperity Campaign, Black immigrants contribute significantly as entrepreneurs, health-care workers, students, and public servants. Yet policies such as sweeping travel bans and broad restrictions continue to have a disproportionate impact on our community. They disrupt families, limiting opportunity, and weakening U.S.–Africa engagement at a time when deeper partnership is essential.

As we look ahead, we have an opportunity to harness this unprecedented moment to shape a new immigration paradigm: a system that recognizes lawful pathways, protects families, strengthens the economy, and reflects America’s role as a global leader.

This is why we are hosting our annual State of the Union on Immigration on March 26 at 10:00 a.m. at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.

This convening will bring together national and community leaders to discuss practical solutions, elevate the voices of Black and immigrant communities, and advance a more balanced, forward-looking immigration agenda for the United States.