Lawmakers from the Congressional Black Caucus have formally called on Donald Trump to end what they describe as policies that disproportionately harm Black immigrant communities across the United States.
In a letter sent to the White House on March 6, the caucus demanded that the administration immediately halt programmes and enforcement efforts they believe are disenfranchising and displacing immigrants from predominantly Black nations.
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The letter was spearheaded by CBC Chair Yvette D. Clarke, whose parents emigrated from Jamaica and who represents Brooklyn’s 9th Congressional District.
Clarke said the caucus acted amid growing concerns from lawmakers and community advocates who believe the administration has repeatedly targeted Black immigrant populations through its immigration policies.
Calls to Restore Immigration Protections
Among the CBC’s primary demands is the reinstatement of Temporary Protected Status for several Black-majority nations, including Haiti.
Temporary Protected Status allows eligible nationals from designated countries to live and work legally in the United States when conditions in their home countries—such as conflict, natural disasters, or political instability—make safe return impossible.
The caucus also called for the suspension of a federal initiative known as Operation “Post-Admission Refugee Reverification and Integrity Strengthening” (PARRIS). The programme has already faced legal challenges and has reportedly been blocked twice by a federal judge in Minnesota.
“We write to this administration to condemn the recent actions perpetrated against Black immigrants across the United States,” CBC members stated in the letter.
The lawmakers added that the administration’s actions represent what they described as one of the most aggressive campaigns against a vulnerable population in recent years.
Concerns Over Enforcement Practices
The CBC also highlighted concerns about immigration enforcement following a recent incident in Buffalo, where a refugee identified as Nurul Amin Shah Alam reportedly died after being released during severe winter weather.
According to the letter, the individual was dropped off miles away from assistance despite significant vulnerabilities.
“The callous actions of the agents led to the eventual death of Mr. Shah Alam,” lawmakers wrote, noting that he was nearly legally blind and spoke little English, factors they said made it extremely difficult for him to safely navigate his release from custody.
Wider Immigration Restrictions
Beyond individual enforcement cases, the CBC also criticised a broader immigration policy announced by the U.S. Department of State, which would suspend immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries beginning January 21, 2026.
According to the caucus, the policy disproportionately affects African and Caribbean nations.
Lawmakers noted that:
- 39 African countries are included in the list, representing roughly 70 percent of the continent’s nations.
- 11 of the 13 sovereign Caribbean states—about 85 percent—would also be affected.
They argued that the measures could prevent nearly 90 percent of African immigrant visa applicants from entering the United States under current immigration pathways.
Call for Collaboration
The CBC said the administration’s approach risks destabilising immigrant communities rather than addressing structural problems within the immigration system.
“Black immigrants have carried the consequences of these irresponsible, disorganized, racially charged, and extremely volatile efforts,” the letter stated.
Lawmakers urged the administration to engage in what they described as “meaningful collaboration” with Congress to repair the damage caused by current policies and to develop a more equitable immigration framework.
“It is time for President Trump to rein in this perpetuation of violence before any more Americans are hurt,” the letter concluded.
