For decades, Black Americans have fought tooth and nail for economic opportunity, political representation, and a seat at the table in a nation that has historically marginalized us. Yet, today, some Black voices advocate for unchecked illegal immigration, unaware or dismissive of the dire consequences this poses to our communities. Replacement theory—often dismissed as a fringe concept—is not just a theory; it’s a measurable reality that’s eroding Black political power and economic stability. Supporting illegal immigration, particularly in the current climate, is tantamount to Black Americans signing their own political and economic death warrant.
Economically, illegal immigration hits Black workers hardest. Data consistently shows that low-skilled Black workers, particularly in industries like construction, manufacturing, and service, face wage suppression and job competition from illegal immigrants willing to work for less. A 2010 study by economist George Borjas estimated that a 10% increase in the immigrant share of the labor force can reduce Black wages by up to 4%. This isn’t abstract—it’s Black families losing ground, struggling to pay rent, and watching opportunities vanish. In cities like Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles, where Black unemployment rates already hover higher than the national average (7.5% for Blacks vs. 4.9% overall in 2024, per BLS), the influx of millions of undocumented workers floods job markets, undercutting wages and leaving Black workers sidelined. Employers, incentivized by profit, often exploit this cheap labor, bypassing Black workers who demand fair pay. Advocating for open borders while ignoring this dynamic is economic suicide for our communities.
Politically, the threat is even more alarming. Black Americans, roughly 13% of the U.S. population (about 41 million in 2023), have long relied on our collective vote to push for civil rights, economic equity, and systemic change. But the math of illegal immigration is diluting this power. Estimates suggest 10-15 million undocumented immigrants reside in the U.S., with millions more crossing the border annually. In key states like California, Texas, and Arizona, where Black populations are already minorities, the sheer volume of newcomers—many of whom are granted voting rights through lax policies or eventual amnesty—threatens to outnumber Black voters. For example, California’s Latino population (39% of the state) now dwarfs its Black population (6%), and as undocumented immigrants are integrated into the electorate, Black political influence shrinks. The 2020 Census showed Black voter turnout at 62%, compared to 71% for Latinos, whose numbers are bolstered by immigration trends. When Black votes are outnumbered, our issues—police reform, economic reparations, education equity—get drowned out by competing agendas.
Advocating for illegal immigration often stems from a misplaced sense of solidarity, but it ignores the zero-sum nature of political and economic resources. Every job taken by an undocumented worker is one less for a Black worker. Every vote cast by a newly legalized immigrant dilutes the Black voice in Congress, statehouses, and city halls. The Democratic Party, which Black voters overwhelmingly support (90% in 2020), has increasingly prioritized immigrant-friendly policies over Black-specific issues, banking on growing Latino and immigrant voting blocs. This shift isn’t theoretical—it’s a deliberate realignment that sidelines Black concerns.
Replacement theory isn’t a conspiracy; it’s a demographic and economic reality backed by numbers. Black Americans who champion open borders are unwittingly accelerating their own marginalization. We must prioritize our economic survival and political clout by demanding strict immigration enforcement and policies that uplift Black workers and voters. Anything less is a betrayal of our ancestors’ sacrifices and a surrender of our future.
– AIB
