Thousands of Kenyan nationals living in the United States are growing increasingly concerned amidst the escalating discussion and potential implementation of immigration policies and enforcement measures.
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs reports that the largest Kenyan diaspora in the world is hosted by the United States, with around 157,000 Kenyan migrants. Following closely is the United Kingdom, with 139,000 Kenyan residents.
Among this population, data from the 2020 US Census Bureau reveals that approximately 30,000 Kenyans lack proper documentation status, adding to the overall number of unauthorized immigrants, which currently stands at around 11 million in the United States. Discussions on immigration policy have focused on enforcement measures and potential reforms to existing programs.
The Kenyan community is particularly worried about the fate of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This program allows international students to acquire practical work experience in their chosen field for a maximum of three years after completing their studies.
The OPT program has proven to be highly advantageous, especially for students in STEM fields, as they can extend their initial OPT period by an additional 24 months. Undocumented Kenyans have been able to establish stable lives in the United States through this program, forming strong connections within the community and making valuable contributions to the local economy.
Under the Biden administration, deportations were a regular occurrence, resulting in the removal of over 1.5 million individuals. However, Trump’s plan suggests a significantly more aggressive approach. Analysts anticipate that this approach could involve expanded operations beyond border regions, potentially utilizing military resources such as National Guard personnel and aircraft for detention and deportation purposes.
JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, has even mentioned the possibility of targeting up to one million individuals in the initial operations, although the exact details of these plans still remain unclear.
It is intriguing to note that certain undocumented immigrants view potential advantages in Trump’s presidency, particularly in terms of economic opportunities.
Despite concerns about enforcement activities, they maintain optimism regarding potential economic improvements. According to the American Immigration Council, stricter enforcement policies could have significant implications for over five million US citizens who were born to undocumented parents.
