The future of African asylum seekers and economic migrants in the United States hangs in the balance as the upcoming presidential election approaches.
The political landscape could significantly impact their safety and opportunities for a better life.
Dr. Yves Kaduli, a 38-year-old asylum seeker from the Democratic Republic of Congo, voices the concerns of many in similar situations. “We deserve safety,” he asserts, reflecting on his harrowing journey to escape violence and persecution.
In a candid conversation, Dr. Kaduli shares his story, emphasizing the stark realities faced by those fleeing conflict.
Dr. Kaduli fled eastern DR Congo in 2014, where decades of turmoil had left deep scars on the population.
As a doctor at Cifunzi Hospital, he witnessed the brutal impact of war firsthand. “Women were raped. I saw it. I felt it in my body,” he recounts, highlighting the trauma that drove him to join protests against government inaction under former President Joseph Kabila.
His activism made him a target, leading to his abduction during a night shift. “They came and took me and another colleague by force,” Dr. Kaduli recalls, describing the terrifying ordeal of being held captive and tortured in a makeshift camp.
After a day of torment, he escaped, leaving behind his family to embark on a perilous five-year journey across multiple countries, eventually reaching the US-Mexico border in 2019.
For a month, Dr. Kaduli lived in deplorable conditions at the border before successfully entering the U.S., where he faced another 15 months of detention before being released.
Now residing in Virginia, he works as a medical technician, awaiting a decision on his asylum application.
He represents a growing wave of African migrants who are making the arduous journey to the U.S. border each year, a trend that is increasingly troubling in light of rising anti-immigrant sentiment among the American public.
With both major political parties prioritizing immigration control in their campaigns, many asylum seekers fear that they will become scapegoats in a polarized political climate.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the number of African migrants arriving at the border rose dramatically, from approximately 13,000 in 2022 to about 58,000 in 2023.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has reported a significant uptick in asylum applications from West African countries, driven by both economic hardships and political instability.
In Senegal, for example, poverty affects over a third of the population, prompting many young people to seek opportunities in the U.S. rather than risk dangerous crossings to Europe.
The narrative around migration is often amplified through social media, with platforms like TikTok facilitating information sharing about safer routes.
However, African migrants face numerous challenges in the U.S. asylum process.
Language barriers and a lack of community support can hinder their chances of success.
Kathleen Bush-Joseph from the Migration Policy Institute notes that judges and attorneys may not fully understand the complexities of the conflicts from which these migrants flee, further complicating their cases.
Moreover, there is a troubling history of racism and systemic discrimination against Black individuals in the U.S., which extends to African asylum seekers.
This societal bias can result in harsher scrutiny and treatment for migrants from African nations compared to their counterparts from other regions.
The situation is exacerbated by the U.S.’s historical involvement in African politics, often leaving young people feeling abandoned and driving them toward migration as they seek a better future.
Many believe that U.S. foreign interventions have contributed to instability in their home countries, compelling them to leave in search of safety.
The current political rhetoric surrounding immigration is fostering anxiety among African communities in the U.S. “People are fearful.
There are concerns that refugee programs could come under attack,” states Nils Kinuani, a federal policy manager at African Communities Together.
The organization is advocating for more legal pathways for African migrants, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian parole programs similar to those established for Ukrainians and other groups.
As the election approaches, the focus on border security is intensifying.
Both the Democratic and Republican parties have emphasized their commitment to controlling immigration, with Republican candidates promising sweeping deportations and the reinstatement of strict border policies.
The Democrats, meanwhile, are advocating for reforms to speed up the asylum process but face criticism for their own harsh measures.
Dr. Kaduli finds himself in a precarious position, waiting for a decision on his asylum case while grappling with the emotional toll of being separated from his family.
The recent death of his father further underscores the pain of his situation, as he is unable to leave the U.S. to reconnect with his loved ones. “It’s uncomfortable to see politicians discuss our fates while I’m stuck here,” Dr. Kaduli reflects.
He holds onto the hope that he will eventually be reunited with his mother and son, believing that America can provide the opportunities he needs to support his family and contribute to society.
For now, he remains in limbo, embodying the uncertainties faced by many African asylum seekers whose futures are intricately tied to the whims of political decisions and public sentiment in the United States.
