30,000 Kenyans in the U.S. Face Deportation Threat Under Trump

At least 30,000 undocumented Kenyans living in the United States are on high alert after President-elect Donald Trump signaled his administration's intent to enforce mass deportations as part of a renewed crackdown on illegal immigration.

On Monday, November 18, Trump confirmed plans to declare a national emergency to facilitate these measures, echoing a statement by Judicial Watch head Tom Fitton, who claimed the administration is “prepared to use military assets to reverse the Biden-era immigration surge.”

Kenyans make up the fifth-largest group of African immigrants in the U.S., with 157,000 legally and illegally residing in states such as Texas, California, and Maryland, according to U.N. data. Of these, approximately 30,000 are undocumented, a figure that may have risen since the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau’s last count.

The potential deportations come as Trump doubles down on immigration, a signature issue of his campaign, and appoints immigration hardliners to key Cabinet roles, including South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary, pending Senate approval.

If enacted, the plan threatens to displace undocumented Kenyans, many of whom have built stable lives in the U.S., contributing to their communities and sending critical remittances back to Kenya.

Beyond deportations, Trump’s policies could affect Kenyan students in the U.S. Currently, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows international students to gain work experience in their fields for up to three years, particularly in STEM fields. Trump previously sought to restrict OPT during his first term, raising concerns about similar actions under his new administration.

Kenya, which relies heavily on diaspora remittances that exceeded $4 billion in 2023, could face significant economic repercussions if deportations materialize. Additionally, U.S.-Kenya relations may come under strain, with Nairobi forced to reintegrate deportees into an already challenging economic environment.

As Trump prepares to take office in January, undocumented migrants, including thousands of Kenyans, face an uncertain future under an administration determined to rewrite America’s immigration policies. The outcome could reshape the lives of millions while testing diplomatic ties between Kenya and the United States.