Considering Immigration on Earth Day

Earth Day is about more than protecting the planet—it’s about protecting people, too. The link between environmental justice and immigrant justice is deep but often overlooked. As climate change accelerates, droughts, crop failures, and extreme weather force millions from their homes. The World Bank estimates that by 2050, up to 216 million people could be displaced within their own countries due to climate impacts, with many more crossing borders in search of safety and stability.

But what happens when a disaster, like a tsunami, wipes out a city and survivors seek shelter in the United States? Currently, there’s no legal pathway specifically for people displaced by environmental disasters. U.S. asylum law only protects those fleeing persecution by a government or group, not by nature. In these cases, any relief would depend on emergency measures or Temporary Protected Status granted by the presidential administration.

Immigrants, especially from the Global South, are more likely to experience the harshest effects of environmental harm. Many find work in agriculture, construction, or other physically demanding jobs that expose them to extreme heat, pesticides, and unsafe conditions—risks that can be life-threatening. These workers typically have fewer resources or legal protections to advocate for safer environments.

The challenges don’t end at work. In the U.S., immigrant communities are more likely to live near polluting industries, hazardous waste sites, or in areas prone to natural disasters. This means they face higher environmental hazards, adding to the risks they already navigate. For those held in detention centers, conditions can be even worse—many facilities are located near toxic sites and are known for poor living standards.

Intersectional environmentalism calls us to recognize that justice for the Earth must include justice for all its people, especially those most vulnerable to displacement and environmental harm. On Earth Day and every day, caring for our planet means caring for each other. True environmental justice is only possible when we address the unique challenges immigrant communities face and ensure their voices are part of the fight for a safer, more equitable world.