Kenyans who self-deport from the United States will have all their civil fines cleared as part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)'s incentive to get rid of undocumented immigrants.
The self-deportation measure was initially announced in March 2025 by President Donald Trump, although there was some scepticism around the self-deportation initiative, with many reading malice in the move.
However, a quick spot check in the DHS official portal revealed some fresh updates to the self-deportation initiative, offering immigrants a structured and beneficial pathway to voluntarily leave the West.
Through the app, an immigrant is required to submit key information, including their full name, current address and a recent photograph.
Once registered, users gain access to an array of benefits designed to support an orderly return. One of the most notable benefits is a USD 1000 exit bonus (approximately Ksh129,000 in the current exchange rates), which is provided upon completion of the departure.
In addition, the U.S. government will arrange cost-free travel, including airfare and related transportation, to assist migrants in returning home without incurring prohibitive expenses.
However, a self-deporter has to explicitly declare whether they have sufficient funds to facilitate their return.
Another notable incentive to self-deport is that those who willingly leave the United States will be exempt from civil fines associated with overstaying in the country.
Once a user is registered, the app will temporarily deprive the migrant of enforcement actions by U.S immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This allows immigrants to plan their exit without having to worry about the threat of detention.
The voluntary self-deportation initiative emphasises planning and accountability, meaning individuals can wrap up personal, professional and educational commitments before leaving the country.
Further, since the deportation is by choice, those who take advantage of the initiative will have a lifeline to return to the U.S. legally in the future.
According to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the move will save American taxpayers up to 70 per cent, as it currently costs DHS, on average, over Ksh2.1 million (USD17,000) to arrest, detain, and deport someone from the US.
Since taking office in January this year, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has deported hundreds of non-U.S. citizens via commercial flights, although the exact number of migrants remains unclear.
The crackdown on unauthorised stays in the U.S. prioritises the deportation of unlawful immigrants with records in the justice system and those suspected of posing national security threats.
In August, a Kenyan identified as Samuel Kangethe went viral after revealing he uprooted his life in the States to come back to Kenya, adding that his decision to 'self-deport' was prompted by fears that U.S. President Donald Trump's tightening laws on immigration would eventually catch up with him.
