Black immigrants moving into a neighborhood can alter its racial and ethnic makeup, according to a study from Ohio State University. The research reveals that as Black immigrants settle in majority native-Black neighborhoods, white residents are more likely to move in, while native Black residents tend to leave.

“Blackness isn’t a monolith in the U.S. today, where the Black immigrant population is growing,” the researcher explains. “There’s significant diversity within Black communities and neighborhoods.”

Changing nature

Using data from the 2000 U.S. Census and the American Community Surveys from 2008–2012 and 2016–2020, the study examined how the arrival of Black immigrants affects neighborhood demographics. By the end of the study period, 20% of Black Americans were either immigrants or had at least one foreign-born parent.

In 2000, most Black immigrants (60%) lived in neighborhoods where more than 20% of the residents were native-born Black. But as Black immigrants moved in, these areas saw notable changes.

For every 100 Black immigrants who moved into a majority native-Black neighborhood during the earlier part of the study, there was a relative increase of 110 non-Hispanic white residents and a decrease of 94 native-born Black residents.

One example comes from Minneapolis. In 2000, a neighborhood there was over 70% native-born Black with almost no foreign-born Black residents. By 2020, Black immigrants made up nearly 10% of the neighborhood, the non-Hispanic white population had grown to 20%, and the native-born Black share had dropped to 39%.

“While the area remains predominantly Black, its racial and ethnic composition has shifted,” the researcher notes.

Rising gentrification

So why does the arrival of Black immigrants lead to an exodus of native-born Black residents? The study points to rising rents and home values, which may make these neighborhoods less affordable. There could also be cultural or community preferences at play, with native Black residents seeking neighborhoods where they feel better represented.

“Lumping Black immigrants and native Black Americans together overlooks important ethnic distinctions,” the researcher explains.

Interestingly, Black immigrants may also play a “buffering” role, promoting greater integration between Black and white residents. When Black immigrants move into predominantly white neighborhoods, they reduce the likelihood of white flight and may even pave the way for native Black Americans to move in.

While the data doesn’t explain why white residents are more likely to stay in neighborhoods with Black immigrants, the researcher suggests it ties back to the U.S.’s deep racial hierarchy. Black immigrants may face less anti-Black discrimination due to their status as newcomers, and some white gentrifiers may associate immigrants with “diversity” and “authenticity.”

“In these cases, the ethnicity of Black immigrants may overshadow their race,” the researcher concludes.