BAJI and USC Equity Research Institute Release Groundbreaking Report on Black Immigrants in California

Nearly 1 in 4 Black residents in California are either immigrants
or children of immigrants

LOS ANGELES, CA —The Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI), in partnership with the USC Equity Research Institute (ERI), has released a first-of-its-kind comprehensive data report on Black immigrant communities across California. The findings confirm what Black immigrants have long known: our communities are thriving, diverse, and deeply rooted in the state—while simultaneously facing systemic inequities in income, housing, healthcare, and education.

Among the report’s key findings:

• Population: Of the 2.8 million Black Californians, 218,000 (8%) are immigrants. Los Angeles, San Diego, and Alameda counties are home to the largest populations. The cities with the largest Black immigrant populations include: Los Angeles, San Diego, Oakland, San Jose, San Francisco, Sacramento, Inglewood, Moreno Valley, Long Beach, and Riverside
  
  

• Diversity of Origins: California’s Black immigrant population includes people from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Jamaica, Belize, Mexico, Haiti, Eritrea, Kenya, Ghana, and beyond—bringing with them more than a dozen languages and cultures.
  
  

• Economic Realities: In California Black immigrant households have a median income of $62,000—substantially lower than the statewide median—and face higher poverty and unemployment rates. Housing insecurity is also widespread, with many households spending more than 30% of their income on rent.
  
  

• Barriers & Resilience: Roughly 9,200 Black immigrant households in California are linguistically isolated, making it harder to access healthcare, education, and essential services. At the same time, 57% of Black immigrants ages 25–64 hold an associate degree or higher, exceeding the state average.

“This report gives statistical weight to the lived realities of our people,” said Nana Gyamfi, BAJI’s Executive Director. “Black immigrants are leaders, workers, parents, students, and caregivers—yet too often left out of conversations on race and immigration. With this data, there are no more excuses. Policymakers must center Black immigrant voices in every discussion about California’s future.”

The data show that nearly one in four Black Californians is an immigrant or the child of immigrants, underscoring the importance of addressing anti-Black racism in immigration policy. From undocumented students navigating higher education, to healthcare access denied through language discrimination, the challenges are urgent and systemic.

“California likes to call itself a progressive state,” said Abraham Paulos, BAJI’s Deputy Director and member of the report’s Core Project Team. “But progress isn’t real if it leaves Black immigrants behind. This report is more than numbers—it’s a call to action.”

In addition to navigating the U.S.’s complex immigration system, the data shows that newly arrived Black immigrants also face systemic racism and racial discrimination.

“Over 200,000 Black immigrants live in the state of California, with even more who are second and third generation,”  added BAJI Research Manager and member of the report’s Core Project Team Metzlal Ocbazghi. “While the size of these communities is growing, systemic racism, economic barriers, and discriminatory housing policies make it incredibly difficult for Black immigrants to access safe, affordable homes. The high cost of housing leaves families with little financial flexibility, forcing them to choose between basic necessities such as food, healthcare, and housing. This housing crisis not only stifles economic mobility but also exacerbates poverty among Black immigrants in California.”

The report, Black Immigrants in California: Demographics, Contributions, and Barriers, is available online here.

About the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI)

Founded in 2006, BAJI educates and advocates on behalf of Black immigrants while building solidarity across communities. BAJI leads efforts to end racism, criminalization, and economic disenfranchisement in the Black and immigrant experience. Learn more at www.baji.org.