African International Migration

African Regional Migration African peoples had a long history of migration and movement.

African International Migration In the 1920s-1960s, mostly young African men went overseas for a few years for education in the former colonial powers (primarily England & France). As a result of this highly revered education, they assumed positions of political leadership upon their return to their countries. E.g., Kwame Nkrumah at Lincoln Univaersity and then the University of Pennsylvania

African Immigration to the US African immigration into the US is part of the “new immigration” since Relatively small African-born population: –total estimated population born in Africa 1.1million –total US population of 300 million –those born in Latin America 16 million But growing rapidly: half arrived in the past decade

Why did Africans begin migrating to the US in the 1980s and 1990s? Structural adjustment programs instituted by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In 1998, on average, across African countries, external debt constituted 60.7% of GDP (gross domestic product).

Why did Africans Migrate to the US in the 1980s and 1990s? Changes in US immigration policy in 1990 that encouraged African migration through diversity visas (at the expense of countries that had had a long history of immigration to the US like China and Mexico). Changes in the US economy: greater inequality and globalization of the economy encouraged the expansion of the informal sector in the US, particularly in cities.

Characteristics of African Immigrants to the US--- what did you notice and find interesting?

Characteristics of African Immigrants to the US Slightly more male (53%) than female (47%) 47% aged % have high school diploma or higher; 23% have bachelor’s degree; Africans are more highly educated as a group than any other immigrant group and the average native-born (US comparison is 85% HS, 18% college) Brain-drain from Africa of nurses, doctors, engineers, teachers, and other skilled workers

Characteristics of African Immigrants to the US (2007) Median individual income: $27,000 (native-born at $33,000; all immigrants $26,000). Earn more than African-Americans (due to higher educational levels on average), but less than whites with comparable levels of education, suggesting that they face problems in hiring in the US (due to racial discrimination? Stereotypes about Africans? Educational credentials not translating?).

Characteristics of African Immigrants in the US Generally, when skilled Africans come to the US, they experience downward mobility (working as taxi drivers or in restaurants or as home health aides). Low rates of naturalization: they tend to see themselves as “sojourners,” sending remittances home. Formation of mutual aid societies or ethnic associations

Chapel of the Restoration, the Bronx, “Mission from Africa,” The New York Times, 8 April 2009

Characteristics of African Immigrants to the US Top sending countries Nigeria (19%) Ethiopia (13%) Ghana (10%)

Characteristics of African Migrants in North America Top cities: New York, Toronto, Washington DC, Chicago, Atlanta, LA, Houston, Boston. Africans tend to move to urban areas first, but then as they become established, move to the suburbs.

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