Eritreans in the U.S. Over the past few decades, approximately half a million Eritreans (roughly 15% of the population) have fled the country due to political and religious reasons, for better opportunity, and to reunite with family. Eritreans make up one of the largest refugee populations in the world compared to their total population. Many have endured perilous journeys to escape to Uganda or Kenya—passing through Ethiopia and Sudan on their routes—while others eventually make their ways to Europe or the United States.
In the United States, thousands of Eritreans have resettled through seeking asylum or refugee pathways. The Bay Area hosts one of the largest Eritrean populations in the U.S., particularly in Oakland, home to one of the earliest and most established Eritrean diasporas in the U.S. The region is estimated to host around 10,000 Eritrean-American residents, many of whom are centered in Oakland where they have built strong social and cultural networks.
Ethiopians in the U.S. Eritrea and Ethiopia share significant historical, cultural, and social ties, but each culture and country is distinct. In recent years, tens of thousands of Ethiopians have fled their country due to political issues, ethnic conflicts, and other harsh conditions. Many Ethiopians seek safety in neighboring countries, while others are resettled through refugee programs, asylum, or family sponsorship.
Thousands of Ethiopians have made the Bay Area home, particularly in Oakland and San Jose, where they have built vibrant social, cultural, and faith-based networks.
Strengths, Contributions, and Aspirations Eritrean and Ethiopian newcomers bring deep cultural heritage, resilience, and a strong sense of community to neighborhoods across the United States. Many have overcome great challenges to build new lives, drawing on a long tradition of hard work, faith, and perseverance. They contribute their skills and talents across sectors—from healthcare, education, and transportation to small business ownership and community services.
Entrepreneurship is a hallmark of both Eritrean and Ethiopian communities, with many establishing restaurants, cafés, trucking companies, auto repair shops, and retail businesses that share the skills, artistry, flavors, and traditions of East Africa while strengthening local economies. Community organizations and faith-based networks play a vital role in helping families stay connected, support one another, and navigate opportunities for growth and integration.
Grounded in deep traditions of hospitality and unity, these communities are also committed to giving back—volunteering, mentoring youth, and engaging in civic life. Looking ahead, Eritrean and Ethiopian Americans continue to invest in education and professional development, empowering the next generation to thrive and lead.
Our Services At BRFN, we recognize the urgent needs of Eritrean and Ethiopian newcomers arriving as asylum seekers or refugees. Many face challenges including: navigating new systems without secure legal status, struggling with housing and employment, and coping with family separation due to restrictive immigration policies. Our case managers provide support in client native languages of Tigrinya and Amharic, helping newcomers access critical resources and build stability in their new lives.
BRFN has served +350 Eritreans and Ethiopians in the East Bay since 2021, providing case management services, community referrals, and basic supplies. Our services to the Eritrean and Ethiopian newcomer communities include: ● Education: support in accessing adult schools, community college, computer literacy classes, ESL classes, school enrollment for children, training programs, and tutoring ● Employment: navigating EDD, referrals to job readiness trainings and employment services, navigating issues with employers and workers' rights ● Finances: education on bank accounts, bills, budgets, car insurance, credit, loans, retirement accounts, and taxes ● Health: applying for Medi-Cal or Covered CA, navigating health systems, Covid vaccine access, understanding medical bills and wellness support ● Housing: orientation to affordable housing and assistance with applications, setting up Internet and utilities, rental assistance and tenants’ rights ● Immigration: workshops to know your rights, and information and referrals to legal service providers for asylum applications, permanent residency, citizenship, work permits, travel documents and family petitions ● Public benefits: information and assistance with enrollment, renewals and navigating challenges with CalWORKs, RCA, Medi-Cal, CalFresh, GA, and SSI ● Cultural support: providing workshops and social adjustment services that enhance self-sufficiency, community engagement, and access to essential resources ● Other: applying for a Social Security Number, getting an ID or driver's license, using public transportation.
Current Challenges Under the current administration, immigrant communities nationwide are losing legal statuses and facing deportation. Eritrean and Ethiopian communities are facing certain heightened risks, including:
Deportation risk: Many Eritreans and Ethiopians are asylum seekers who lack secure legal pathways to live and work in the US. Detentions and deportations in these communities have already occurred in the Bay Area. BRFN provides linkages to legal services to provide our clients with the best possible legal solutions and to know their rights.
Lack of access to public benefits: Asylum seekers are not eligible for public benefits, unlike refugees or asylees – making asylum seekers more at risk for poverty and in need of basic food, housing, and healthcare supplies. BRFN distributes essential items including groceries, household goods, bus passes, and more to the Eritrean and Ethiopian asylum seeker community.
Travel Ban: Most recently in June 2025, a travel ban was implemented, which includes Eritrea. Ethiopia is at risk of being added to the ban as well. Eritreans in the US now face indefinite pauses on visa processing for their families living abroad – resulting in years more of family separation. Mental health support is critical for this community at this time. Along with social navigation services, our case managers provide emotional support and mental health referrals.
Service cuts: Federally-funded refugee resettlement agencies have been severely cut across the country, leaving more newcomers of all backgrounds isolated and in need of services. BRFN has been absorbing many of the clients, including Eritreans and Ethiopians, who would otherwise be served by resettlement agencies – providing essential case management and navigation services.
BRFN fills a critical gap for Eritrean and Ethiopian asylum seekers in need of basic supplies, systems navigation, medical resources, rights education, and emotional and social support in the Bay Area. You can support BRFN’s work with the Eritrean and Ethiopian communities by volunteering, donating in-kind supplies, or providing financial support. If you are a newcomer in need of support, please contact us for assistance.
