Behind Closed Doors: Black Migrants and the Hidden Injustices of U.S. Immigration Courts

by Ohio Immigrant Alliance
April 23, 2025
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As the Circuit Courts and Supreme Court are increasingly called upon to correct immigration injustices, people are starting to realize that the U.S. immigration courts do not operate with independence and fairness.

“I thought America was better than this. I thought America was a country that respects human rights,” said a Black immigrant interviewed for the Ohio Immigrant Alliance’s new report, “Behind Closed Doors: Black Migrants and the Hidden Injustices of U.S. Immigration Courts.” Authored by Dr. Nana Afua Y. Brantuo, PhD, “Behind Closed Doors” is the capstone paper from a multi-year research series about Black people’s experiences in U.S. immigration courts.

The report offers insight from interviews with fifteen Black immigrants and nine immigration attorneys who have direct experience in the immigration courts, as well as federal government data. It highlights trends in Black migrants’ experiences, including the government’s confident reliance on unfounded fraud narratives; uneven and impossible evidentiary standards; and the legal representation gap — among other design flaws. The report also offers recommendations for creating a more just system.

Maryam Sy, OHIA’s Organizing Director, helped interpret for individuals participating in the study, She said, “these stories stayed with me for months. Black immigrants opened up about their immigration journey and how their hopes and dreams were shattered. Their pain, their strength, everything they’ve been through. It’s not just paperwork or court dates, these are real people, and they deserve to be treated with basic dignity and fairness. I hope that this report brings awareness and shifts the narrative and the perception many have about Black Immigrants. I hope it informs policy makers and advocates about the past and present struggles of Black Immigrants in the United States.”

Demba Ndiath, OHIA’s Advocacy Director, also helped the research team interview participants. He added “Many immigrants come to the United States with dreams, resilience, and a desire to contribute to the communities they join. Their experiences, shared in ‘Behind Closed Doors,’ are a reminder that our immigration system must reflect the values of fairness and justice. We must build a system that sees their humanity and recognizes the positive impact immigrants make across this country.”