Media Advisory: State of the Union on Immigration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC — In recent years, Black immigrants have faced increasingly harsh treatment under federal immigration policies. Heightened enforcement actions, expanded detention practices, and the narrowing or termination of humanitarian protections have disproportionately impacted Black immigrant communities. Families have experienced separation, long-standing legal statuses have been destabilized, and individuals from African and Caribbean nations have faced barriers to asylum and other forms of relief at higher rates. These policies have contributed to widespread fear and uncertainty in communities that have long contributed to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the United States.

In addition, broad visa and travel restrictions have further limited pathways to lawful migration. Current and proposed bans affecting majority African and Caribbean countries restrict access to immigrant visas for approximately 70% of African nations and 85% of Caribbean nations. These sweeping limitations raise serious concerns about race- and nationality-based exclusion and compound the challenges already facing Black immigrant families seeking reunification, protection, and opportunity in the United States.

WHAT: A State of the Union on Immigration forum and policy discussion designed to:

● Reinforce the coalition’s call for action from CBC leadership

● Highlight the disproportionate impacts of current immigration enforcement on Black immigrants and refugees

● Amplify personal testimonies and community perspectives

● Encourage oversight and legislative solutions that protect humanitarian protections, due process, and civil rights

WHO:

● Black immigrant-led organizations

● Civil rights organizations

● Impacted families and community members

WHEN: March 26, 2026
TIME: 1:00 PM
WHERE: U.S. Capitol Visitor Center

Purpose:
To bring Congressional Black Caucus Member staff and other policymakers into direct dialogue with community leaders and impacted families, ensuring that Black immigrant experiences are centered in federal immigration oversight and reform.

For media coverage and inquiries, please contact Nkechi Ilechie at (202) 330-0352 nkechi@nigeriancenter.org