- The US Department of Homeland Security announced adjustments to its plan to get rid of undocumented immigrants
- This comes as President Donald Trump’s administration continues to implement a new ‘America First’ policy
- Geopolitical economist Aly-Khan Satchu explained to TUKO.co.ke the implications of Trump’s foreign policy
TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto has over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.
Kenyans and other foreigners who self-deport from the United States (US) will have all their civil fines and penalties scrapped as part of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s plan to do away with undocumented immigrants.
Source: Facebook
President Donald Trump first announced the self-deportation plan in March 2025, but there was some scepticism as many individuals described it as malicious.
What benefits will self-deportees from the US enjoy?
The self-deportation programme, which provides immigrants with an option to leave the US willingly, has undergone some recent adjustments, according to a brief spot check on the DHS official website.
This will allow illegal immigrants to depart the US voluntarily to get some benefits, including an exit bonus.
Through the Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) mobile app, an immigrant is asked to enter crucial information, including their full name, current residence, and a recent photograph.
“Once you have confirmed your return home, you will receive $1,000 (KSh 129,300 at the current exchange rate). If the above deal is not enough for you, it gets even better. Using the CBP Home app also qualifies recipients for forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties for failing to depart the country. Using the CBP Home app also preserves the the opportunity for you to possibly come back to the country the legal way,” the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reiterated.
However, DHS warned that those who do not take advantage of the offer today will be detained, deported, and will never be allowed to return to the US.
“Self-deportation through the CBP Home App is the best gift that an illegal alien can give themselves and their families. It is a fast, free, and easy process: Just download the app, fill out your information, and DHS will take care of the rest, including arranging and paying for your travel back home,” it added.
Why is the US offering ‘gifts’ to foreigners?
Aly-Khan Satchu, a geopolitical and geoeconomics analyst, told TUKO.co.ke that Trump’s administration plans to limit the number of immigrants in the US.
Source: Facebook
Satchu noted that this would negatively impact diaspora remittances, as the US accounts for half of the flow of money from abroad.
“The US is seeking to reduce the inward immigration quota. I do not think it’s significant right now, but it does prove that the days of North American inward remittance growth are over,” he explained.
How many people did Saudi Arabia deport?
In other news, Saudi Arabia deported over 12,000 people, mostly Africans, as it continues to implement new 2030 job reforms.
The crackdown saw thousands of illegal foreigners arrested, while others were jailed.
Over 4,000 of those detained allegedly violated labour laws.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
