The Hidden Costs of the Immigration Debate: What They’re Not Telling Us

"You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself." — Leviticus 19:34

The immigration debate has once again reached a fever pitch, with politicians calling for mass deportations and tighter borders. Yet, what’s often left unsaid is the role that corporations play in perpetuating the cycle of undocumented labor. These companies reap the benefits of cheap labor while dodging accountability, leaving the most vulnerable to face the consequences.

For Black Americans, the stakes are especially high. The focus on deporting undocumented immigrants often leads to increased racial profiling and police powers, disproportionately impacting Black communities. The recent targeting of Haitian immigrants at the U.S. border serves as a stark reminder that immigration enforcement is often weaponized against Black bodies.

The debate is also steeped in White Replacement Theory—a fear-mongering tactic that stokes racial tensions by painting demographic shifts as threats to white supremacy. This narrative not only divides communities but also distracts from the root causes of migration, such as U.S.-led interventions in South America that have destabilized entire regions.

But the real question is: will we fall for this divide-and-conquer strategy, or will we unite across borders? With over 100 million Black people living in South America, we have an opportunity to build alliances that transcend national boundaries. Instead of allowing ourselves to be pitted against one another, let us stand in solidarity. The true power lies not in exclusion but in collective action that lifts us all.

The quest for place and power is not limited to American soil; it extends wherever our people seek safety, dignity, and freedom. Let us answer the call to unity, recognizing that our fates are intertwined, whether we are in Harlem, Port-au-Prince, or São Paulo.