New US Deportation Policy Puts More Kenyans at Risk of Removal

Kenyans living in the United States face a higher risk of deportation under a new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) directive that expands enforcement against non-citizens accused of immigration and electoral offences.

The directive, announced on Tuesday, instructs immigration attorneys to pursue removal proceedings more aggressively, including in cases where no criminal conviction has been obtained. It places particular emphasis on illegal voting and false claims to US citizenship.

According to DHS, such actions undermine the integrity of the electoral system and can result in deportation under existing immigration laws without the need for a criminal court conviction. The directive states that illegal voting by non-citizens weakens the voting power of American citizens and damages democratic processes.

The measure forms part of a wider immigration enforcement campaign under President Donald Trump's administration. The administration has expanded the categories of non-citizens considered priorities for detention and removal.

Last week, DHS data showed that the number of Kenyans identified for deportation had increased from 15 to 45. The individuals were listed in a federal database known as the “Worst of the Worst”, which records undocumented immigrants who have been arrested or convicted across various US states.

The database contains information including mugshots, countries of origin and alleged offences. These offences range from drug trafficking, armed robbery and fraud to child molestation and homicide.

Supporters describe the database as a transparency measure, while critics argue that it may contribute to the stigmatisation of immigrant communities. The new directive broadens the range of offences that may lead to deportation by including electoral violations alongside more serious criminal allegations.

Under the policy, immigration attorneys have been directed to use the relevant legal provisions to the fullest extent permitted by law. This signals a stricter approach to cases that may previously not have resulted in removal proceedings.

The policy could have significant consequences for Kenyan nationals in the United States, particularly those without secure immigration status. It also reinforces the administration's position that immigration enforcement should be closely linked to protecting the electoral system.

As DHS continues to expand its enforcement priorities, Kenyan communities in the US may face increased scrutiny.