United African Organization

UAO aims to serve as the African Community Resource Clearinghouse wherein constituents gather, access information, share experiences, exchange views, and coordinate organizational capacity development. UAO's hub of resources on this website is intended to assist community members in navigating services, programs and resources that are available to help them cope better in the United States.

Immigration at a Climax: An Existential Lesson for the Nation

April 30, 2023AdminAdvocacy, Blog

In recent years United States has experienced a significantly increased number of immigrants crossing its South border. In May 2022, annus mirabilis, 224,370 migrants have crossed the US-Mexico border; a record high never seen before. This major climacteric has unleashed so many passions and brought the national debate on immigration to a much more heated level.

Amid the tumult, I have decided, as an Immigration Case Worker at United African Organization (UAO) and also as a recently naturalized American, to share these notes I have been jotting down these last months. It’s about asylum seekers’ life stories and my thoughts on how these stories should inspire us all. By doing so, I hope to shed light on a phenomenon so important to all Americans. Their stories revive in our memory the same existential lesson President Reagan In his legendary oracular wisdom taught us four decades ago in his Farewell speech; “Other countries may seek to compete with us; but in one vital area, as a beacon of freedom and opportunity that draws the people of the world, no country on Earth comes close. This, I believe, is one of the most important sources of America’s greatness. We lead the world because, unique among nations, we draw our people — our strength — from every country and every corner of the world. And by doing so we continuously renew and enrich our nation.”

To better understand President Reagan’s rational, let me share with you the story of one refugee and three asylum seekers I have worked with.

Tre was 6 when he was forced to leave his South Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo RDC where his tribe the  Munyamulenge, led by Jules Mutebuzi, a rebel leader who was fighting the Armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, were persecuted and forced to move by thousands to Burundi. He lived then in Burundi 12 years as refugee. In 2018 a program of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) helps his family fly to the US as refugees. As such, he could get immigration benefits and enrolled at the University of Illinois in Chicago (UIC) where he is, now, studying Mechanical engineering and dreams to lead projects at General Motors.

Two other Congolese, Mr. EDM and Mr. PMM received, both, excellence scholarships from the Government of Congo Brazzaville. Mr. EDM graduated in 2022 from the University of Medical Sciences, Carlos J. Finlay Camaguey, Cuba with a PhD in Medicine, while Mr. PMM earned a master’s degree in Energetic Mechanics from Abdelhamid Ibn Badis Mostaganem University in Algeria in 2015. They both led students’ movements, went on strike against the Congolese government which retaliated by threats and persecutions of all kinds, which forced them to flee from their country.

Another asylum seeker, HI, graduated from the Institute of Higher Commercial and Economic Studies of Haiti with a master’s degree in public finance and worked as a Government Finance Analyst at the Banque National of Haiti. After the assassination of the President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, the country entered a dark period of uncertainty and instability amid a general sense of national and international conspiracy and treason. Gang violence skyrocketed and installed an almost total insecurity which made him fly to the United States.

This synopsis or snapshot of the lives of these four refugees and asylum seekers departs clearly from a certain perception, deeply rooted among the Far-Right Groups in America, of asylum seekers as a herd of unfortunate people, aggressive invaders who owe their existence to the eleemosynary will of the taxpayer money. The reality is away far different.  All these asylum seekers have one single aspiration in common. They are all yearning for a more dignifying situation with the possession of an Employment Authorization Document which would allow them to start working legally to sustain their families and be more beneficial to their communities and the whole American society. In fact, Tre, EDM, Mr PMM and HI come to join a Black immigrant community in Illinois, particularly dynamic and savant, participating with panache in the glooming of Abraham Lincoln home state. A report on the African Community in Illinois, UAO released last year states that:

  • Africans, and their families are much younger than other Illinois residents. About 31 percent are children aged 0-17 years, compared with 23 percent of other Illinoisans.
  • Africans are more likely to be in their prime working years: about 41 percent of Africans are aged 18-44 years, compared to 36 percent of other Illinoisans. Only about 7 percent of Africans are 65 years or older while 15 percent of other Illinois residents are 65 years or older.
  •  Africans are highly educated. About 46 percent have at least a bachelor’s degree, compared to only 35 percent of non-Africans in Illinois.
  • Africans are more likely to be in the labor force, to be employed, and to be self-employed. About 74 percent of Africans are “in the labor force,” meaning they are working or looking for work, compared with 65 percent of other Illinois residents.
  • Africans are also more likely to be self-employed: about 8 percent of Africans are self-employed compared with 6 percent of other persons in Illinois.

In a highly insightful article published on Brookings Institute, politicians are playing politics with refugees but these workers are exactly what the us economy needs, Dany Bahar clearly shows that the American labor market and Economy are in dire need of these asylum seekers. He has confronted data from immigrants crossing the South border of the United States, mainly Venezuelans, to that of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  He came up with the fact that receiving states of the so sadly famous Texas buses like New York and Massachusetts have trends in labor market shortages matching exactly the profile of these asylum seekers. Most of them are highly skilled and possess the exact same competences these states need in their labor demand.  Talking about Massachusetts also, it’s a fact that the future of its Higher Education deeply relies on Undocumented students. Lane Glenn, the president of Northern Essex Community College and Pavel Payano a state senator from Lawrence have clearly shown that in a recent article published on commonwealthmagazine.org, undocumented students are the key to our future but we’re not doing enough to support them.

At that time, nevertheless, some beasts in the political spectrum like Florida’s sulfurous Governor DeSantis Pushes Toughest Immigration Crackdown in the Nation, as New York Times publishes it this week. In his bombast bill proposal, De Santis, who epitomizes all the idiosyncrasies and foibles of Trump, and whose recondite core doctrinal line is made of portending, wangling, and gerrymandering, intends, simply to bar undocumented immigrants from resources or opportunities anybody living on this land qualifies for.

For everything I have vented above, it is my opinion that Black immigrants in Illinois, as in all the rest of the country, are not a burden but rather an opportunity and a blessing to America. Therefore, all immigration advocate movements, I believe, should come together to support the Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act, a recent legislative proposal in Congress which would, if passed, reduce the current 180-day waiting period for work authorization eligibility to 30 days, allowing asylum seekers to apply for authorization as soon as the asylum claim is filed.

by Khalifa Ababacar Diop

UAO Releases New African Community Report

For Immediate Release

September 1, 2022

United African Organization releases new demographic and needs assessment study of the African Community in Illinois

New report reveals a large, growing and diverse community of more than 128,000 living in neighborhoods and cities across the state.

CHICAGO, IL (September 1, 2022) – As the Black immigrant and refugee community grows in Illinois, it is important to have an understanding of the basic characteristics and needs of the community. Having a profile of the community is the first step in developing responsive public and private programs and policies, and in educating the general public about their contributions.

According to the American Community Survey, 2015-2019, about 36 cities in Illinois have at least 500 African residents. The African population in Chicago is the largest at 47,277, followed by Evanston at 3,725 and Bolingbrook at 2,507. Most of the large African populations are in cities near Chicago, but many are in other parts of Illinois, such as Rock Island, Springfield and East Moline.

“This new report will inform our priorities in public policy advocacy, community organizing as well as designing innovative programs or expanding existing services to address community needs, including immigration, health, economic security, youth development, access to public benefits and many more,” said Nancy Asirifi-Otchere, Executive Director of the United African Organization (UAO).

“The report shows that we are the most educated immigrant population and our skills are central to the state’s labor force,” added Dr. Eustace Kaijage, UAO board member and Black immigrant who has called Illinois home for more than fifty years.

Key Characteristics of the African community in Illinois:

  • Africans and their families are much younger than other Illinois residents. About 31 percent are children aged 0-17 years, compared with 23 percent of other Illinoisans.
  • Africans are more likely to be in their prime working years: about 41 percent of Africans are aged 18-44 years, compared to 36 percent of other Illinoisans. Only about 7 percent of Africans are 65 years or older while 15 percent of other Illinois residents are 65 years or older.

  • Africans are highly educated. About 46 percent have at least a bachelor’s degree, compared to only 35 percent of non-Africans in Illinois.

  • Africans are more likely to be in the labor force, to be employed, and to be self-employed. About 74 percent of Africans are “in the labor force,” meaning they are working or looking for work, compared with 65 percent of other Illinois residents. Africans are also more likely to be self-employed: about 8 percent of Africans are self-employed compared with 6 percent of other persons in Illinois.

  • The jobs held by some fit the picture of persons doing some of the hardest and lowest-paying jobs in the service economy. The lives of these persons can be improved by supporting statewide efforts to improve wages and conditions for al lower-wage workers.

  • Some struggle with education credentials exemplified by the fact that many come here highly trained but can’t find work in their original careers. They often deal with the issue of under-employment.

  • Most African immigrants and refugees speak English very well. Only a relatively small portion – less than 2 percent – do not speak English at all, according to the American Community Survey. About 73 percent of Africans immigrants and refugees report that they speak English “very well” or that they speak only English.

 

United African Organization is a dynamic coalition of African community-based associations dedicated to social justice, civic participation, and empowerment of African immigrants and refugees in Illinois.

For more information, visit www.uniteafricans.org or call 312-949-9980

      –END–

Click Here to Read the Full Report

The Chicago CityKey ID Program

The Chicago CityKey is an optional ID that residents of Chicago can get to access city services. This helps people who are undocumented or experiencing homelessness who might have problems getting or maintaining an ID. Learn more: https://www.chicityclerk.com/chicagocitykey

What you can do with your Chicago CityKey ID

The Chicago CityKey ID serves as a 4-in-1 card by serving as a valid, government-issued ID card, your Chicago Public Library card, Ventra card and pharmaceutical discount card. Additionally, the CityKey provides cardholders with discounts to participating museums, theaters, sporting events, restaurants, and retail stores and businesses across Chicago. As part of the CityKey program, CityKey cardholders will be able to access a pharmaceutical discount through a pharmacy benefit management program called the Chicago Rx Card. The Chicago Rx Card provides discounts of up to 80% on prescription drugs, dental, vision, veterinarian, and lab and diabetes supplies/equipment.

You can access:

  • Public transit (Ventra),
  • Chicago Public Libraries,
  • Chicago Rx Card
  • Services from hospitals and clinics,
  • Services from city departments,
  • Services from community banks and credit unions, and
  • Discounts for recreation and entertainment, sports games, cultural institutions, and goods at partnering businesses.

Documents needed to apply

  • Proof that you live in the City of Chicago
  • Proof of identity (Foreign Passport, Birth Certificate)

CityKey Application Fees

According to the office of the City Clerk, the CityKey is free for the first 100,000 applicants. After that, there will be a fee.

The fees are different based on age:

  • 18 years and under: $5
  • 19-64 years old: $10
  • 65 years old and over: free

The applications fees are waived for:

  • Low-income residents,
  • Individuals experiencing homelessness,
  • Domestic violence survivors,
  • Members of the re-entry community,
  • Veterans, and
  • One Summer Chicago participant.

COVID-19 Relief: Immigrant Family Support Project

February 22, 2021AdminBlog, Resources

United African Organization (UAO) is proud to join diverse organizations serving Illinois residents through the Immigrant Family Support Project

General Eligibility Requirements:

  • Reside within Illinois
  • Must be 18 years of age or over.
  • Have experienced a change in your financial status -after March 1, 2020 – due to the COVID-19 crisis.
  • Not eligible for the federal stimulus payment, unemployment benefits or public benefits.
Documents Needed to Apply:
  1. Proof of Identity (TVDL, City Key, Foreign Passport, etc)
  2. Proof of Address. (Utili)
  3. Proof of Rental or Lease Amount (Current lease agreement, rent statement, rent receipt, landlord affidavit, late notice)

Got questions? call us at 312-949-9980 or SMS via Whatsapp: 773-420-8976

COVID-19 Relief Programs – Chicago Housing Assistance Grants

August 2, 2020AdminBlog, Resources

United African Organization (UAO) is proud to join diverse organizations serving Chicago residents through the City of Chicago’s Rental Assistance Grant!  The Chicago Department of Housing’s COVID-19 Housing Assistance Grant will provide housing assistance for renters impacted by COVID-19! Grants may be used for rent payments for your primary residence.

General Eligibility Requirements:

  • Reside within the City of Chicago
  • Must be 18 years of age or over, or be a financially independent minor.
  • Have experienced a change in your financial status -after March 1, 2020 – due to the COVID-19 crisis.
  • Demonstrate your total household income was at 60% or below the Area Median Income (AMI) prior to March 1, 2020 (see table below).
Income Eligibility Requirements:
Area Median Income Limits (AMI) Chart (as of April 1, 2020)
The income limits refer to total household income, which includes the income of all adults in the household.
Household Size 60%
1 $38,220
2 $43,680
3 $49,140
4 $54,600
5 $58,980
6 $63,360
7 $67,740
8 $72,120
Income limits are for the Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL HUD Metro FMR Area.
Documents Needed to Apply:
  1. Government Issued ID (State ID, Drivers License with current address, or Matrícula Consular de Alta Seguridad)
  2. Proof of Pre-COVID-19 Income before March 1, 2020. (2019 Tax Return)
  3. Proof of Post-COVID-19 Income – after March 1, 2020. (Unemployment claim dated after March 1, Document/statement from former/current employer, Pay stubs, bank statements showing decreased income after March 1, Proof of self employment or reduction of hours)
  4. Proof of Rental or Lease Amount (Current lease agreement, rent statement, rent receipt, landlord affidavit, late notice)

Got questions? call us at 312-949-9980 or SMS via Whatsapp: 773-420-8976

COVID-19 Relief Programs – Chicago Resilency Funds

June 21, 2020AdminBlog, Resources

The Chicago Resiliency Fund is a $5 million cash assistance program to support Chicago residents who were excluded from federal stimulus aid in response to COVID-19.

The City of Chicago in collaboration with Open Society Foundations and The Resurrection Project (TRP) will launch the fund on June 22nd. The fund will provide $1,000 per household for eligible Chicagoans, which includes, but is not limited to, undocumented individuals, mixed-status families, dependent adults and returning residents.

United African Organization (UAO) is proud to join over 20 diverse Chicago organizations in the launch of the Chicago Resiliency Fund! This cash assistance program will support thousands of residents that were excluded from federal stimulus aid in response to COVID-19!

For more information on the fund and where and how to apply please visit: resurrectionproject.org/chicagofund! 

Applications will begin to be accepted by phone starting on June 22nd.

Standing Together for Justice & Dignity

June 1, 2020AdminAdvocacy, Blog

United African Organization stands in solidarity with the Floyd family as we mourn the tragic death of George Floyd. Their loss is our loss. We feel the pain and grieve with them.

As African immigrants and refugees, we live and experience discrimination everyday of our lives. We believe it is time for change. We need a world where we are not judged by the color of our skin but by the content of our character.

Amidst our pain and anguish, we remain hopeful as we see young people of all races and ethnicity stepping up and speaking out to demand dignity for Black lives.

This moment presents an opportunity for the US to make radical and transformational changes at city, county, state and federal levels that curb police brutality and dismantle systemic racism.

As we mourn, we commit ourselves to  organize and hold institutions of power accountable. And we remain resolute and relentless in the quest for justice and dignity.

Black Lives Matter!

Sincerely,

Godfrey Chinomina, Board Chair

 

Every African Counts in 2020 Census

April 13, 2020AdminAdvocacy, Blog, Resources

mytab

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mytab

Attend Community Dialogues on the 2020 Census

  • April 25, 2020
  • March 28, 2020
  • February 22, 2020
  • January 25, 2020
  • January 18, 2020

 

RESOURCES

Tab3 content here.

 

 

 

Page 1 of 1512345...10...Last »
CONTACT INFORMATION
United African Organization
6042 S Indiana Avenue
Chicago, IL. 60637
Phone: (312) 949-9980
Email: info@uniteafricans.org
Directions →