PHILADELPHIA -- African immigration to the United States has increased significantly, with many settling in Pennsylvania, despite Donald Trump's election. Sheriff Haeda Raa, who fled Liberia to escape violence, arrived in the U.S. late last year and received advice from a fellow detainee to move to Philadelphia, where a community awaited him.
Raa now resides in Southwest Philadelphia, an area becoming a hub for African immigrants. Community organizers aim to rebrand part of the neighborhood as 'Africatown,' drawing inspiration from ethnic enclaves like New York's Little Italy. This initiative seeks to showcase African culture and provide a support system for newcomers.
Despite the positive outlook from some community members, tensions exist regarding the Africatown proposal. Longtime residents express concerns about the neighborhood's identity, with some opposing the renaming. Terri Powell, a 69-year-old resident, stated, 'This is not Africa... this is Southwest Philadelphia, and we were here first.'
Trump's election has raised fears among immigrant communities, particularly regarding potential deportations. He has previously made controversial remarks about Black immigrants. However, supporters of Africatown remain optimistic, believing that legal protections will safeguard many immigrants from deportation.
Philadelphia has been a destination for African immigrants since the 1960s, with a notable increase in arrivals in recent years. In 2023 alone, nearly 77,000 migrants from Africa entered the U.S., a dramatic rise from 11,000 in 2022. The influx is attributed to various factors, including unrest in Africa and improved access to information about migration.
Local community leaders have initiated projects to support the growing African population, including the construction of a $23 million community center. While some residents welcome the diversity, others voice concerns about the rapid changes in their neighborhood's character.
As the community navigates these challenges, many African immigrants express gratitude for the opportunities Philadelphia offers, viewing it as a place of hope and stability.