Not sure why you are being downvoted. I share your concern. I'm a minority and moved to the US some years ago. I don't think I share the same college connect or social connect that people have. This puts me at a disadvantage for these referral only hires.

Referrals are good source of attracting people, they can be used for additional data points.

I'd love to see what the break down of demographics of people hired using this practice.