Monday, December 01,
2025 - Kenyans living in the United States without proper documentation now
have a new option to return home voluntarily, with the U.S Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) confirming that civil fines will be cleared for those
who self-deport.
The self-deportation initiative was first announced in March
2025 by President Donald Trump, sparking skepticism among critics who viewed
the move as punitive.
However, recent updates on the DHS portal outline a
structured pathway designed to make voluntary departure more appealing.
Through a dedicated app, immigrants are required to submit
personal details including their full name, current address and a recent
photograph.
Once registered, participants gain access to several
benefits.
Among them is a USD 1,000 exit bonus - about Ksh129, 000 at
the current exchange rate - paid upon completion of departure.
The U.S Government will also cover travel costs, including
airfare and related transportation, ensuring migrants return home without
financial strain.
Another incentive is exemption from civil fines linked to
overstaying.
Registered users are temporarily shielded from enforcement
actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), allowing them to plan
their exit without fear of detention.
The program emphasizes accountability, enabling individuals
to conclude personal, professional, and educational commitments before leaving.
Importantly, voluntary departure preserves the possibility
of legally re-entering the U.S in the future.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the measure could save
taxpayers up to 70 percent, noting that it costs an average of USD 17,000
(Ksh2.1 million) to arrest, detain, and deport an immigrant.
Since January, ICE has deported hundreds of non-citizens via
commercial flights, though exact figures remain unclear.
In August, Kenyan Samuel Kangethe went viral after revealing
that he self-deported, citing fears of Trump’s tougher immigration laws.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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