30,000 Kenyans Face Deportation as Trump Confirms Migrant Crackdown
At least 30,000 undocumented Kenyans in the United States are bracing for uncertainty after President-elect Donald Trump reaffirmed plans for a national emergency to enforce mass deportations of irregular migrants.
On Monday, November 18, Trump emphasized his commitment to delivering on this campaign promise by sharing a post from ally Tom Fitton, the head of Judicial Watch, a conservative organization. Fitton suggested the incoming administration would leverage military assets to execute a mass deportation program aimed at reversing what he called the “Biden invasion.”
To spearhead these efforts, Trump has nominated immigration hardliner South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Homeland Security secretary, pending Senate approval.
Immigration in Focus
Immigration has been a cornerstone of Trump’s campaign, with vows to curb irregular migration, which he claims surged under the Biden-Harris administration. His proposed measures include tightening border controls and expediting deportations of unauthorized immigrants, a group that includes approximately 11 million people in the US.
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Among them, at least 30,000 Kenyans are believed to lack proper legal documentation, according to the 2020 US Census Bureau. This number is expected to have risen by 2024. With a total Kenyan immigrant population of 157,000, the US remains the top destination for Kenyan migrants, followed by the United Kingdom.
Kenya ranks fifth among African countries with the highest number of migrants in the US, with Nigeria leading the list.
Implications for Kenyans
Undocumented Kenyans now face an increased risk of deportation, disrupting lives they’ve built over years in the US. Moreover, concerns are growing around restrictions on the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows international students to gain work experience in their fields after graduation.
During his previous term, Trump’s administration proposed limiting OPT benefits, particularly the 24-month extension granted to STEM graduates. A rollback of such programs could further impact Kenyan students and professionals pursuing opportunities in the US.
With Trump’s immigration crackdown looming, thousands of Kenyans must now navigate an uncertain future amid intensified scrutiny of irregular migration.
