The Kenyan population in the United States faces a significant threat of decline following Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States.
In his inaugural address on Monday, January 21, President Trump reaffirmed his campaign promise to initiate mass deportations, targeting individuals residing in the U.S. without proper documentation. “We will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came,” Trump declared.
On his first day in office, Trump pledged to issue nearly 100 executive orders, with 10 focusing on immigration—a cornerstone of his 2024 campaign. Among the most controversial was an order to end birthright citizenship, significantly increasing the number of individuals affected by the absence of U.S. citizenship.
Trump justified these measures by citing national security and the need to prioritize U.S. resources for citizens. However, the consequences for undocumented communities, including Kenyans, are profound.
Impact on Kenyans in the U.S.
Estimates suggest that at least 30,000 Kenyans living in the U.S. without proper documentation are at risk of deportation. Many reside in metropolitan areas, making them particularly vulnerable as immigration raids are expected to commence immediately.
The United Nations’ International Migrant Stock 2020 dataset indicates that the U.S. hosts the largest Kenyan migrant population globally, numbering 157,000. The United Kingdom follows closely with 139,000.
International and Legal Backlash
Trump’s executive orders have drawn widespread criticism from the international community and advocacy groups. In New Hampshire, immigration advocates have already filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of ending birthright citizenship.
The contentious order declares that children born in the U.S. will not be recognized as citizens if their fathers are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Lobby groups and activists have vowed to fight these policies in court, underscoring the legal and moral complexities of the immigration debate.
As the new administration takes aggressive steps to reshape immigration policies, thousands of Kenyans and other undocumented individuals face an uncertain future, with deportations looming as an immediate reality.