In a major shift in US immigration policy, the Kenyan diaspora in the United States is bracing for impact following Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th president.
On January 21, 2025, Trump outlined aggressive measures aimed at fulfilling his campaign promise of mass deportations, which include returning undocumented immigrants, especially those with criminal records, to their home countries.
In his first presidential address, Trump declared his intent to focus on immigration reform, issuing nearly 100 executive orders in his first day in office, with 10 of them addressing immigration directly. This includes an executive action to end birthright citizenship, which further complicates the situation for undocumented individuals.
Among those at risk are around 30,000 Kenyans living in the US without proper documentation. The executive orders are expected to trigger immediate immigration raids, putting Kenyans, especially those in metropolitan areas, under threat of deportation. The US currently hosts the largest Kenyan migrant population globally, with over 157,000 Kenyans residing there.
Critics of Trump’s actions, including international lobby groups, have already vowed to challenge these policies in court.
In New Hampshire, a lawsuit has been filed to contest the president’s move to end birthright citizenship, which could affect many children born in the US to non-citizen parents.
Despite the opposition, Trump remains steadfast in his approach, prioritizing national security and resource allocation for US citizens.
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