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December 7, 2024 - December 13, 2024 The Afro-American A5 THE BLACKwww.afro.com MEDIA AUTHORITY • AFRO.COM $2.00 $1.00

Volume 133 No. 19

Volume 123 No. 20–22

DECEMBER 7, 2024 - DECEMBER 13, 2024

Lives in limbo: Immigrants grapple with uncertain future post 2024 election Graphic created by Dana Peck

The turnout of the 2024 presidential election hasspread concern among immigrant populations across the country, including those from Jamaica, Haiti and Africa. Stress and anxiety is on the rise for some, as the incoming president and members of his administration continue to promote anti-immigration rhetoric. By Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer msayles@afro.com Black immigrants are concerned about what the next four years could mean for their communities, as anti-immigration rhetoric continues to grow.

Central to President-elect Donald Trump’s platform has always been a severe crackdown on immigration. Now, after his 2024 win, the former president has been even more outspoken about his plans for restricting legal immigration, completing his border wall, cutting federal funding

to sanctuary cities and leading the largest deportation in American history. Though Black immigrants are often overlooked in national conversations, the Pew Research Center reports that one in five Black people in the U.S. are immigrants or the children of Black immigrants.

People of African origin, specifically, have experienced the fastest-growth in the U.S. Black immigrant population, accounting for 42 percent. Information from the Pew Research Center also states that in 2023, the U.S. foreignborn population hit a record 47.8 million. This is up 1.6

million from 2022, accounting for the largest annual increase since 2000. As the guard changes, Black immigrants are battling uncertainty regarding their future in the country under the former president that has already shown who he is when it comes to immigration

policy. “Our community is extremely concerned, and not for nothing–we’ve already experienced a Trump 1.0,” said Diana Konate, deputy executive director for policy at African Communities Together. Continued on A3

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Baltimore Mayor M. Brandon Scott sworn in for a second term

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By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D) was sworn in by Xavier A. Conaway, clerk of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, on Dec. 3 for his second term. The well-attended ceremony included numerous current and past Maryland leaders such as Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D), Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07) and former Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie C. Rawlings-Blake (D). Scott won his bid for re-election on Nov. 5 during the general election with 82.15 percent of the vote, according to the Maryland State Board of Elections. During the Democratic primary, he beat out former Mayor Sheila A. Dixon (D) for the seat with 52.78 percent of the vote. “I am very aware that it is the first time in 20 years that Baltimore has given its mayor a second term,” said Scott. “I am acutely aware that my first inauguration four years ago was not the typical celebration, as we were restricted during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of all, I am especially aware of how rare it still is – in this city and across this country – for young Black men who grew up in the type of neighborhood where I grew up to be entrusted with

leadership in executive positions.” The inauguration ceremony took place at the Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center at Morgan State University and featured a variety of performances. The Connexions African Dance Team, the Morgan State University Choir, Merganthaler Vocational-Technical High School Cheerleaders and more all took to the stage

during the celebration. During the ceremony, Scott reflected on where his passion for making a difference began. “I witnessed my first shooting before my ninth birthday on the church lot near our house. Though it was only 20 seconds away from

Continued on A5

“No one needs to tell Brandon Scott about Baltimore. Brandon Scott is Baltimore.”

Photo courtesy of the Office of the Mayor Baltimore City/J.J. McQueen

Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D) enters his inauguration ceremony at Morgan State University with his stepson, Ceron Pugh III, ahead of him as the crowd cheers.