In one of his final acts in office, former President Joe Biden pardoned Ravi Ragbir, a New York-based immigrant rights leader and Trinidadian immigrant who had been under a removal order for nearly two decades. He also posthumously pardoned the Jamaican Pan-Africanist leader, Marcus Garvey, nearly a century after his controversial conviction. These decisions were hailed by Caribbean community leaders as major victories for justice and recognition of the enduring struggles faced by immigrants.
Ragbir came to the U.S. in 1991 and became a legal permanent resident in 1994. In 2001, he was convicted of “wire fraud arising from his employment as a low-level mortgage loan processor” and served his time in prison. In 2006, he was detained by immigration authorities and placed under a removal order, although he had been a permanent legal resident for 15 years at that time.
Following his detention, Ragbir became a prominent immigrant rights advocate, leading the New Sanctuary Coalition, an organization helping undocumented immigrants in New York fight deportation. In 2018, he filed a First Amendment lawsuit alleging that ICE targeted him because of his political activism in the United States.
His case became a focal point for protests against the first Trump administration’s immigration policies, particularly the enforcement of deportation orders. Many community leaders viewed Ragbir’s detention as part of a broader pattern of aggressive deportation efforts affecting immigrants, especially those with longstanding ties to the U.S.
Ragbir expressed gratitude for the pardon, which comes nearly 20 years after his removal order. “I am so grateful to President Biden for this pardon, which has lifted a burden that I have carried for so many years. The uncertainty and instability of not knowing what tomorrow would bring has kept me and my family awake for many nights, and we can now breathe. This would not have happened without the support from our legal team and from the community that has stood with me throughout this journey,” he said.
“I could not be more relieved for Ravi and his family. I’m so proud of the incredible work of his legal team and supporters and truly grateful to the White House for doing the right thing. It goes to show, once again, the power of advocacy. People across the U.S. made this happen,” said Rev. Cece Jones-Davis, Special Advisor of Advocacy and Strategy, #istandwithravi Faith Working Group and Defense Committee Member.
“At a time when immigrants across America are fearing for their futures in this country, it brings me great relief to know one of their most devoted champions will be permitted to continue his critical work that has, for years, bettered their lives and furthered their equitable treatment under the law,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke in a statement. “I was proud to serve as a longtime leader in the national movement to secure his pardon, just as I am proud today to say we have succeeded in that essential mission.”
“His pardon is a testament to the critical work of grassroots leaders and the resilience of the Caribbean-American community,” said the Caribbean-American Collective in a statement.
“We are beyond grateful for this news to come just 24 hours before Trump begins to enact his plans of further supercharging mass deportation. Ravi’s voice, speaking truth to power and shining light on the unfair impact of our immigration laws and the double punishment faced by so many immigrants impacted by the criminal-legal and immigration systems, has strengthened a movement and inspired us all,” the Immigrant Defence Project wrote.
President Biden’s posthumous pardon of Marcus Garvey, the Jamaican-born political leader, publisher and orator who became one of the civil rights movement’s most influential figures, similarly reverberated throughout the Caribbean and African diaspora communities.
Garvey founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA-ACL) in 1914, which grew into one of the largest mass movements in Black history. One of Garvey’s most ambitious projects was the Black Star Line, a steamship company to facilitate commerce and migration between Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean.
In 1923, he was convicted of mail fraud in connection with the Black Star Line, a charge many believe was politically motivated due to his rising influence and criticism of systemic racism. He was deported to Jamaica in 1927 after serving part of his sentence in the U.S. The posthumous pardon has been met with widespread approval from Caribbean community leaders.
The Consul General of Jamaica in New York, Alsion Wilson, called the pardon “a monumental step in rectifying a grave historical injustice,” adding that Garvey’s legacy as a global advocate for Black pride economic empowerment, and self-determination has inspired generations and this action reaffirms the righteousness of his cause.
“This is a victory not only for Jamaicans but for all people around the world who have been influenced by Garvey’s vision of unity, progress, and upliftment. Today, we celebrate a long-overdue recognition of a leader whose contributions continue to shape our collective aspirations for justice and equality,” said Wilson.
I’m extraordinarily grateful for President Biden’s decision to posthumously pardon Jamaican-born Pan-Africanist leader Marcus Garvey!
The president’s action not only removes the shadow of an unjust conviction, but advances his promise to further racial justice in this nation. pic.twitter.com/mFLRBtKEZn— @repyvetteclarke.bsky.social (@RepYvetteClarke) January 19, 2025ALSO READ
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, a Jamaican American representing New York’s 9th District in Brooklyn, led the most recent congressional effort advocating for the full exoneration of Marcus Garvey. She shared a statement celebrating the news of clemency while emphasizing the ongoing fight for justice: “Although granting Mr. Garvey’s clemency will help remove the shadow of an unjust conviction and further the Biden Administration’s promise to advance racial justice, Mr. Garvey’s family, myself, and countless others across our nation and around the world will continue to push towards his full and unambiguous exoneration,” said Clarke.
“We know that Mr. Garvey was falsely convicted of a crime he did not commit. We know the path forward must include Congressional action to completely exonerate the Hon. Marcus Garvey and so, I will continue to take all necessary action to clear his name and to deliver the justice and closure his descendants rightfully deserve,” Clarke continued.
In his statement, President Biden emphasized the significance of the clemency granted. “These clemency recipients have each made significant contributions to improving their communities,” he said.
While these actions represent milestones, many community leaders stress that the fight for justice is far from over in a country still grappling with immigration disparities.
