The Donald Trump administration is offering undocumented immigrants, including Kenyans, about Ksh130,000 ($1,000) and a free flight home if they agree to leave the country voluntarily in the next two weeks.
Announced on Monday, May 5, the move is part of a new plan to reduce the number of illegal immigrants in the U.S. without going through arrests or forced deportations.
The decision will affect thousands of undocumented Kenyans and other African nationals in America.
Further, the U.S. government said that it will support those who choose to leave voluntarily by helping them book flight tickets and giving them the cash once they return home.
Moreover, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that several migrants have already taken up the offer, including one individual who flew back to Honduras from Chicago.
Also Read: UK Refugees to Get Money If They Agree to Live in Rwanda.
How Kenyans and Other Immigrants Can Apply
To participate, migrants are required to use a U.S. government smartphone app, now called CBP Home, to signal their intention to self-deport.
The app was previously used by the Biden administration to allow certain migrants to enter the U.S. legally.
Once the government confirms that they have left the country, they will receive the Ksh130,000 incentive, in addition to travel assistance.
Further, those who sign up for self-deportation using the CBP Home app will be deprioritised for arrest and detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, “as long as they demonstrate they are making meaningful strides in completing that departure.”
Also Read: Deportation of Kenyans from the U.S.: What It Means and Legal Options
How Trump Will Save Americans Money
For the Trump administration, this program not only reduces the strain on immigration enforcement but also helps cut costs.
Officials estimate that deporting a single undocumented immigrant through arrest and detention costs over Ksh2.2 million ($17,121). Therefore, the stipend-and-flight package offers a cheaper alternative.
DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said the Trump administration has tracked “thousands” of self-deportations so far.
Also, the administration says those who take this route may have a better chance of returning legally in the future, though the U.S. visa system remains complex and highly selective, especially for those without employment, family ties, or financial support in America.
On the other hand, the Trump administration has threatened certain unauthorised immigrants with prosecution, jail time and fines if they fail to register with the federal government.
It has also broadened who ICE deportation officers can target for arrest, reversing Biden-era rules that largely limited immigration arrests to serious criminals, national security threats and recent arrivals.
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