At least 30,000 Kenyans residing in the United States are on high alert following an announcement by President-elect Donald Trump on Monday, November 18. Trump confirmed plans to declare a national emergency to fulfill his campaign promise of mass deportations targeting irregular immigrants.
Trump, known for his active social media presence, amplified a November 8 post by Tom Fitton, president of the conservative group Judicial Watch. In the post, Fitton hinted that the incoming administration was “prepared to declare a national emergency and utilize military resources to reverse the Biden-era immigration policies through a sweeping deportation program.”
To spearhead this agenda, Trump has strategically nominated staunch immigration hardliners to key positions within his Cabinet. Among them is South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, who has been tapped to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security, pending Senate approval.
The move has ignited widespread concern among immigrant communities, including Kenyans, as they brace for potential policy shifts under the new administration.
Undocumented Kenyans in the US Face Uncertainty as Trump Revives Tough Immigration Stance
In the lead-up to the US elections, President-elect Donald Trump placed immigration at the center of his campaign, emphasizing the need to address what he described as an unprecedented rise in irregular immigration under the Biden-Harris administration. He pledged to tighten border security and halt the influx of unauthorized migrants.
Why It Matters
Currently, an estimated 11 million migrants live in the US without legal status, including at least 30,000 Kenyans, according to the 2020 US Census Bureau. However, this figure is believed to have grown by 2024.
The United States remains the leading destination for Kenyan migrants, with approximately 157,000 individuals residing there, followed by the United Kingdom with 139,000. These numbers, drawn from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs’ International Migrant Stock 2020, rank Kenya fifth among African countries with the highest number of immigrants in the US. Nigeria leads the list.
For undocumented Kenyans, Trump’s renewed focus on immigration poses a significant threat, with many now facing the possibility of deportation despite building stable lives in the US.
Broader Implications
Beyond deportation fears, Kenyan students and professionals may encounter additional hurdles. One major concern is the future of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which enables international students to gain practical work experience for up to three years post-graduation, particularly in STEM fields.
During Trump’s previous administration, there were efforts to limit OPT extensions, especially the 24-month period granted to STEM students. A similar move could significantly impact Kenyan students pursuing higher education and career opportunities in the US.
As the new administration prepares to take office, the policies set forth by Trump are likely to shape the future for many Kenyans living and studying in the US.