Chapter 11: The Case for Reparations – Immigration as a Mechanism for Justice

Chapter 11 presents the argument that immigration can be a key mechanism for achieving reparations for African Americans. It proposes that immigrants, who contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, can be part of a solution to the systemic economic inequities resulting from slavery. The chapter suggests the creation of a reparative immigration tax or naturalization initiatives, where new immigrants contribute to funding reparations for descendants of enslaved Africans, thus addressing the historical injustices that continue to affect their communities.

In addition, the chapter emphasizes the moral and economic benefits of such initiatives, noting that immigrants have benefited from the civil rights struggles led by African Americans. By integrating immigration into reparative justice, this approach fosters solidarity among communities while promoting economic justice. The chapter concludes by advocating for policies that allow immigrant communities to actively participate in the process of reparations, ensuring both economic and social equity.