How Minor Offenses Cost Kenyans Their American Stay

The increasing disillusionment with the government of Kenya has led many citizens to seek opportunities abroad, with the United States emerging as a primary destination.

Approximately 157,000 Kenyans currently reside in various regions of the US, drawn by diverse job and educational prospects. While many find success, others face challenges that can result in deportation, a process that forcibly removes non-citizens whose presence is deemed detrimental to the host country's well-being. Recent data from Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi reveals that since 2022, at least 730 Kenyans have been deported and readmitted to their homeland. The primary reasons for deportation include overstaying visas, breaching visa terms, and engaging in unlawful activities.

In the first half of 2024 alone, the US deported 136,623 immigrants with visa violations being the predominant factor. The American legal system maintains a strict stance on immigration matters given the high influx of immigrants seeking entry and settlement. Criminal activities such as murder, drug dealing, violent robbery, and fraud are grounds for swift deportation. Even seemingly minor offences like drunk driving can result in an immigrant's removal. In 2018, a 74-year-old Kenyan was deported following a drunk driving conviction.

For Kenyans struggling to establish themselves abroad, forced repatriation without resources can be both humiliating and terrible. Many liquidate their assets in Kenya before emigrating, making it challenging to restart their lives upon return. The Kenyan government's recent efforts to create job opportunities through foreign job programs may increase the number of Kenyans working in the US but it also raises the risk of deportation for those who fail to adapt to American societal standards. To mitigate these risks, the Kenyan embassy in Washington, D.C. actively advises its citizens to maintain valid documentation and cooperate peacefully if arrested due to immigration law infractions.

The embassy recommends prompt contact in such situations to secure legal representation during questioning or proceedings. Under the Kenyan Citizenship and Immigration Act, Kenyans facing deportation from abroad have the right to obtain emergency passports or travel documents to facilitate their safe return. While the United States offers numerous opportunities for Kenyans, it is crucial for immigrants to understand and adhere to the country's laws and regulations. Proper documentation and compliance with visa terms are essential for those wishing to avoid legal complications and the possibility of deportation.