WASHINGTO, DC — WITH Donald Trump now serving as the 47th President of the United States, concerns among Caribbean nationals are growing over his impending policy decisions, including stricter immigration measures.
These policies are expected to involve Executive Orders on immigration, Birthright Citizenship, and the reversal of initiatives such as the Inflation Reduction Act, introduced under the Biden administration. Many undocumented immigrants are left wondering about their next steps.
Nana Gyamfi, Executive Director of the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI), has encouraged those worried about the changing policies to remain calm. Representing over 10 million Black immigrants from the Caribbean and Africa, BAJI emphasizes that individuals should avoid making rash decisions.
In an interview with SKNVibes News, Gyamfi addressed the anxiety some immigrants face: “We have people that are in processes right now who already are reaching out to us to say: 'I'm not going to keep going because I'm afraid to even show myself in front of an immigration officer, even if it's to adjust my status, right?' And so whatever you are already doing in terms of your process, do it."
A key part of her message is for immigrants to resist the urge to "self-deport." She explained: “Don't self-deport. That's another thing that they're hoping people will do, that people will just say, ‘Forget it, it's never going to happen, and I need to get out of here and just go back to Jamaica, go back to Trini, you know what I mean, just go back to where they come from.’ And we don't want people to do that.”
President Trump has campaigned on deporting undocumented immigrants and those involved in any legal infractions. However, for many Black immigrants—especially those of Caribbean or African heritage—contact with law enforcement and concerns about racial profiling remain significant issues.
According to Gyamfi, over 80% of Black migrants deported from the Caribbean are removed due to interactions with the police. She emphasized: “It is not because they commit a crime but just the contact with police that comes from being Black people living in America, right? And so it's important that you know what your rights are. It's important that you prepare your families.”
Gyamfi also highlighted the long-term challenges faced by deportees, including restricted access to their children and financial resources such as bank accounts. She pledged that her organization would continue to assist those affected by the new immigration policies.
