Immigration to the United States has always been a defining feature of the American story. For the African diaspora and the members of the TUKOLE Foundation, it is more than a policy issue — it’s personal. It shapes our journeys, our dreams, and the communities we build. In recent years, U.S. immigration policy has undergone significant shifts, impacting students, entrepreneurs, families, and diaspora investors alike.

Here’s a breakdown of how immigration is changing — and what members should be thinking about as they plan for the future.

1. A Tightening Yet Targeted System

Under the Biden administration and a divided Congress, immigration policy has become a delicate balancing act. On one hand, the U.S. has shown openness to high-skilled workers, STEM graduates, and certain humanitarian programs. On the other hand, border security, enforcement, and visa backlog challenges persist. Recent executive actions aim to speed up certain visa processes, but legislative reform remains stalled.

Key Changes Affecting TUKOLE Members:

H-1B and F-1 Visas: International students and professionals continue to face uncertainty with the H-1B visa lottery system and optional practical training (OPT) programs. This directly impacts TUKOLE’s student members, who often struggle with unclear post-graduation pathways.
Family-Based Immigration Backlogs: Many African immigrants face years-long waits to bring family members to the U.S., particularly from countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Uganda.
Increase in Humanitarian Programs: TPS (Temporary Protected Status) has expanded for some African countries, offering temporary safety but without permanent pathways.

2. A Shift Toward Talent and Investment-Based Entry

One of the most important trends in global immigration — echoed in the Atlantic article on "The Gold Card Life" — is the growing preference for wealthy or highly skilled individuals. The U.S. is no exception. While traditional pathways remain sluggish, the doors are slightly more open to those with capital, credentials, or innovation.

Opportunities for TUKOLE:

EB-5 Investor Visa: This program allows investors who put at least $800,000 into job-creating U.S. enterprises to gain a green card. While not widely used by African investors yet, it presents a path for members seeking permanent residence via business.
O-1 Visa for Extraordinary Ability: For artists, musicians, tech experts, and entrepreneurs within the TUKOLE network, the O-1 visa offers potential — especially as we develop diaspora-driven industries like music, fashion, and media.
Startup Visas (Under Consideration): Though not yet formalized, the U.S. has shown interest in entrepreneurship-based visa programs. TUKOLE’s Diaspora Investment Consortium could advocate for inclusion in such initiatives.

3. Advocacy for International and Diaspora Students

TUKOLE has launched a 2025 Policy Advocacy Agenda focused on five key areas:

Work authorization reform for F-1 and J-1 visa holders
Tuition equity across states
Licensing access for immigrant professionals
Fair taxation and refund systems
Anti-discrimination protections in academia and housing

Immigration policy directly impacts these goals. Delays or denials in visa processing, limited work options, and exclusion from financial aid disproportionately hurt African students and diaspora youth.

Case in Point: Many TUKOLE student members, face federal tax withholding without the benefit of education credits or full refund eligibility due to nonresident status.

4. The Rise of Diaspora-Driven Alternatives

With immigration challenges mounting, African diasporas are turning toward transnational solutions — and TUKOLE is leading the charge. We are building a Global Diaspora Village that includes:

Diaspora Trusts and Unit Funds to invest back home while creating financial leverage abroad
Homecoming Credit Union to support returning immigrants and offer alternatives to traditional banking
Diaspora Housing, Travel, and Entrepreneurship Networks to reduce dependency on U.S. immigration outcomes

Rather than wait for policy change, we are creating ecosystems that allow mobility, agency, and collective prosperity across borders.

5. What Comes Next?

As the 2024 elections approach, the future of U.S. immigration policy hangs in the balance. A return to more restrictive policies could hurt humanitarian migration and family reunification. However, a focus on high-skill and investment-based immigration is likely to expand — making diaspora networks even more critical.

TUKOLE’s role is clear:

Advocate for fair and inclusive immigration reforms.
Educate members about evolving opportunities and risks.
Innovate through financial, technological, and cultural initiatives that thrive regardless of borders.

Final Thought:

The story of immigration is changing. But so are we. TUKOLE is not just adapting — we’re building a new model of mobility, entrepreneurship, and community. One where the African diaspora defines its own path, in the U.S. and beyond.

Want to get involved? Join TUKOLE’s immigration and student policy task force.

How U.S. Immigration Is Changing — And What It Means for us