Former President and current Republican frontrunner Donald Trump has recently doubled down on his controversial immigration stance, promising what he describes as the most extensive deportation operation in U.S. history.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump made the unprecedented declaration that he would utilize military forces to execute these deportations.
The appointment of Stephen Miller, known for his hardline immigration policies during Trump’s first term, and Tom Homan, formerly acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as key figures in this proposed initiative signals a serious intent to implement these policies.
Trump confirms plans to use military force to deport migrants after declaring national emergency https://t.co/q3y1yTtfuO pic.twitter.com/ULldSUzwyF
— New York Post (@nypost) November 18, 2024
Also Read: Adani Faces Major US Corruption Charges in Solar Energy Scheme
African Communities in the Crosshairs
The impact on African immigrant communities could be particularly severe. The Migration Policy Institute’s data reveals a substantial presence of sub-Saharan African immigrants in the United States, with approximately 2.1 million residing in the country as of 2019, comprising 5% of America’s total foreign-born population.
These communities represent a diverse cross-section of African nations, with significant populations from:
- West Africa: Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Cape Verde
- East Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia
- Southern Africa: South Africa
- North Africa: Morocco
- The Sudans: Both Sudan and South Sudan
The situation for Kenyan nationals is particularly concerning. U.S. Census Bureau statistics indicate that “at least 30,000 Kenyans” were living in the United States without proper documentation as of 2020, though experts suggest this number has likely increased substantially in the intervening years.
Expert Analysis
According to Tuko, Professor Macharia Munene, offering his expertise in both historical context and international relations, provides a sobering assessment of the potential consequences. He states:
“Kenya is already grappling with its internal challenges, including unemployment and economic disparity. The potential return of tens of thousands of deported citizens could present both humanitarian and economic difficulties. The effect could be similar across all African countries that would be affected by the deportation order.”
Munene further elaborates on the economic ramifications, particularly regarding the demographic makeup of potential deportees.
“Most of those who will be deported are people in the informal sector with no stable income: security guards, taxi drivers, casual workers, etc. You cannot expect Kenyan scholars and experts in various sectors of America’s economy to be deported unless there are serious political or security issues,” he explained.
