By Claire Moraa
- 75% of Black people have faced some form of racism while in the U.S.
- Black immigrants contribute $36B tax revenue annually
The American dream is slowly or rather quickly slipping away from many Black expats who once thought they’d get a sense of belonging, peace and tranquility by moving to the U.S. Most expats leave their home countries in search of greener pastures and being a new entrant into a new country only to face racism, new social and cultural environments can shape a person’s sense of belonging and security. Racial inequality has always been there but it’s about to get worse with companies having to scale back their DEI initiatives.
Why This Matters: At least 75% Black people say they have experienced a form of racism while in the U.S. The situation gets worse where in some states, people of color have been issued with travel advisories due to increased hostility. The expat experience can allow for a sense of freedom that comes from not being judged or marginalized based on race in the same way that happens in the U.S. It’s not only about avoiding negative experiences, but also about finding spaces where they can be their full selves without fear or pressure.
Feeling safe has its own perks especially for the host country. In fact, Black immigrants contribute $36 billion in tax revenue every year and are more likely to become entrepreneurs than their American-born counterparts. If they no longer feel safe or at peace they may be less inclined to stay, potentially depriving the host country of these valuable economic contributions and entrepreneurial energy. Among the countries marked safe for Black expats, one thing stands out–the privilege to just exist irrespective of racial or cultural backgrounds.
Situational Awareness: The perspectives of Black expats invite conversations about cross-cultural exchange and offer valuable insights on how different societies approach racial issues and cultural diversity. This presents an opportunity for mutual learning and the implementation of best practices to foster inclusive and harmonious societies both within and outside the U.S. It calls for introspection on the part of communities and governments to create environments where all members can thrive and live without fear or prejudice.
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