How Disparities in Immigration Enforcement Are Impacting Black Women’s Health—and Their Finances.
A Black woman immigration attorney sheds light on the unseen burdens Black women are carrying.
As an immigration attorney, a proud “immigrant-adjacent” wife—having successfully petitioned for her husband decades ago—and a mother of two children with an immigrant father, Jamene Christian brings a deeply personal and professional perspective to the current state of immigration in the country.
“Unfortunately, immigration laws, policies, and enforcement have shifted away from the humanitarian approach seen in previous administrations and Congresses,” she explains.
“Non-criminal high school and college students, hardworking, tax-paying parents of U.S. citizen children, grandparents—even children—are, in some cases, being forcibly detained and deported in under 72 hours,” she continues. “It’s important to remember that many of these undocumented individuals were actively pursuing legal pathways to regularize their status.”
As a Black immigration attorney married to a Black immigrant, Jamene Christian says one of her greatest concerns is how gender, race, income, and the “over-policing” of Black communities contribute to unequal enforcement outcomes:
“I am witnessing disparities in ICE enforcement priorities and practices—sanctioned at the Supreme Court level—that often overlook or disregard undocumented immigrants who are not Black or Latino.”
She goes on to share her insights on the challenges facing Black women and families, along with guidance on managing the emotional, financial, and legal pressures involved.
What concerns are undocumented Black women raising?
Many undocumented Black women married to U.S. citizens or green card holders live with the constant fear of deportation and separation from their spouses and children. The uncertainty of whether they’ll make it home to their families each day has led many—particularly those in areas where local law enforcement collaborates with federal ICE agents—to avoid unnecessary trips outside the home. If they do drive, they’re meticulous about keeping their vehicles in perfect condition, avoiding even minor issues like broken taillights. Many have also indefinitely put off domestic air travel because of growing concerns about ICE presence at airports.
One undocumented Black woman with a pending USCIS application once reached out to me for advice about attending her father’s funeral in California, more than 3,000 miles from her home in New York City. She was afraid to fly, unwilling to risk a traffic stop while driving, and hesitant to travel by train because ICE agents have conducted immigration checks in transit settings. Faced with those fears, my professional advice to the grieving daughter was to attend the funeral virtually through Zoom. Sadly, her concerns were not unfounded.
You’ve seen firsthand how immigration policies and enforcement are impacting Black women.
Black women often shoulder the responsibilities of their families, even when they have loving and supportive partners—that’s simply the role many take on. Now consider the experience of an undocumented Black woman. With immigration laws and policies shifting constantly, she must still care for her family, keep her business running, or show up to work despite ongoing uncertainty.
In cases where the woman has legal status but her partner does not, a deportation can leave her solely responsible for raising the children and providing financially. This burden isn’t just practical—it’s also emotional and physical, taking a toll on her mental and overall health.
How are immigration policies contributing to the financial strain faced by Black women?
Black women in mixed-status families often face a difficult financial reality. Many avoid or have limited access to government safety-net programs—even when they have U.S. citizen children who qualify—out of fear that including their own information on official paperwork could put them at risk. They may also face vulnerability to workplace exploitation, as well as financial abuse within the home if a U.S. citizen spouse uses their status to exert control over an undocumented partner. On top of this, there is the significant cost of hiring legal representation to pursue status regularization or defend against deportation proceedings.
What support systems and resources are available to help Black women navigate immigration challenges?
There are organizations dedicated to supporting Black immigrants with legal assistance, emotional support, know-your-rights education, emergency planning, and community care. African and Caribbean churches also play an important role by offering spiritual guidance alongside practical support, such as workshops where immigration attorneys provide pro bono legal services to undocumented community members. In addition, legal aid societies and volunteer lawyer associations often provide low-cost or free immigration representation, while some private immigration attorneys offer pro bono services or sliding-scale fees with a culturally responsive approach.
Among Black-led, Black-centered organizations, the Black Alliance for Just Immigration is a key resource. Broader organizations that support all undocumented individuals include the National Immigration Law Center and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. There are also online platforms such as JustAnswer.com, where verified immigration experts provide 24/7, on-demand support via chat, phone, or email, allowing individuals to ask questions confidentially and access guidance when they need it most.
