AFRICAN COMMUNITIES TOGETHER INC

Leads advocacy campaigns for the designation, extension, and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for African countries affected by armed conflict, natural disasters, or extraordinary conditions, including Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, Sudan, and others. Also advocates for humanitarian parole for Sudanese individuals impacted by war.

Advocates nationally and globally for the civil rights and well-being of African immigrants through policy campaigns, public statements, and coalition-building efforts aimed at improving living conditions and protecting immigrant rights.

Files and participates in significant litigation challenging discriminatory immigration policies, including termination of TPS for Sudan, El Salvador, Haiti, and Nicaragua (Ramos v. Nielsen); termination of DED for Liberians (African Communities Together v. Trump); the public charge rule (La Clínica de la Raza et al. v. Trump et al.); and passport requirements for diversity visa applicants (E.B. v. Department of State). Also opposes expansion of the U.S. visa bond policy and revival of the travel ban targeting multiple African and Muslim-majority countries.

Leads the Community Interpreter program and is developing an African language services worker cooperative in New York to expand linguistic access and create economic opportunities for African immigrants.

Empowers African immigrants through programs focused on social integration, economic advancement, and civic engagement, including leadership development, resource sharing, and access to essential services. Activities are supported through direct service initiatives and community-wide coordination.

Runs the Healthcare Support Career Accelerator tutoring program and provides workforce development support to help individuals, including homeless populations, secure employment in healthcare and other sectors.

Conducted test and trace outreach during the 2020 pandemic, distributing face masks and hand sanitizer to African immigrant communities.

Leads housing justice campaigns across ACT chapters to prevent displacement of African immigrants, files formal complaints with federal agencies regarding exploitative housing practices (e.g., Southern Towers), and co-publishes research reports documenting corporate mistreatment of immigrant tenants and gentrification, such as the 15-year media analysis of CIM Group’s ties to Donald Trump.

Increased the AILEF network membership to over 180 members, including 112 organizations across 39 states, to strengthen collective advocacy and capacity.

Produces the "Forward Ever Podcast" and publishes personal stories of African immigrant leaders in New York City to promote visibility, share experiences, and encourage civic engagement. Also publishes multilingual fact sheets in English, Tigrinya, and Amharic to support Ethiopian nationals applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Offers free, high-quality immigration legal services including consultations, case reviews, FOIA requests, form assistance (e.g., I-130, N-400, I-90), naturalization support, family-based petitions, VAWA, U/T visas, SIJS, asylum derivatives, and limited removal court representation. Services are delivered through weekly clinics in Washington, D.C., in-person outreach at community and faith-based centers, and nationwide via remote support.

Provided consultation on the African Wage Gap project to develop evidence-based interventions addressing employment disparities and promoting equitable job access for African immigrants.

Conducts monthly membership meetings, leadership committees, and trainings to build leadership skills among African immigrants. Hosts monthly AILEF calls for African and Black leaders to share resources and updates on federal and local policies affecting their communities.

Opposes harmful legislation such as the reintroduction of the Dignity Act (H.R. 4393) and supports progressive policies like the CityFHEPS expansion laws in New York City, which were upheld by appellate court decision.