In a world that is being increasingly shaped by migration, the implications of the recently announced changes to U.S. immigration policies are resonating deeply across African nations. With President Donald Trump declaring his decision to deport all undocumented immigrants who cannot prove they have resided in the USA for more than two years, African nationals view themselves to be among the main targets.
The number of Africa-born black immigrants in the USA increased more than three-fold from the early 2000s to 2019 when it exceeded 1.9 million. According to migrationpolicy.org, the number of undocumented African immigrants in the USA ranges up to 295,000, or 3% of the total undocumented population.
Key African sending nations at a glance
Although the top 10 African countries that the immigrants left have changed over the years, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, South Africa, Ghana, and Morocco have topped the list on a regular basis over the past decades. At the same time, other countries experiencing war, or political and economic instability become a significant source of immigrants too.
South Sudan: A nation in turmoil
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has been ensnared in conflict with millions being displaced from their homes. Approximately 100,000 South Sudanese now reside in the USA, primarily finding community support in Minnesota. They arrive with hopes for a better life but still grapple with the scars of war and harbor a longing for peace.
Somalia: Fleeing war and famine
The civil war and devastating famine in Somalia have driven around 116,520 Somali nationals to the USA. The vibrant Somali-American community in cities like Minneapolis actively celebrates its heritage while engaging in local affairs thus creating a rich cultural tapestry that widens the diversity of American society.
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Seeking safety
With a long history of conflict, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen over 98,121 refugees find safety in the USA. Many have established homes in cities like Philadelphia and Washington D.C. where they strive for a stable future for their families amidst ongoing challenges.
Eritrea: Escaping oppression
In Eritrea, the oppressive regime that enforces mandatory military service and restricts basic freedoms has compelled many to seek sanctuary elsewhere. Approximately 40,000 Eritreans have made their home in the USA where they contribute significantly to local economies and advocate for human rights. Their struggle highlights the importance of supporting those who flee authoritarian rule.
What of deportations?
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Annual Report for 2024 reveals that immigrants from African nations with the largest number of deportations from the USA were:
Source: ICE
Since his inauguration, President Trump’s stance on immigration and deportation has created a significant ripple effect for African nationals seeking refuge in the USA, dashing the hopes of many who had previously viewed America as being able to offer long-awaited access to educational and employment opportunities and a secure future for their children.
A fading beacon of hope for African refugees
Over the past month, the countries hosting the most refugees in Africa – Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia which are home to a total of over 3.5 million refugees – have seen people living with fear for the future on a daily basis.
“All my life, I dreamed of starting over in America,” said Ladu Aminah, a 30-year-old mother of two who fled violence in South Sudan. “After everything we’ve been through, this feels like another blow. We thought America would be our safe haven, but now it feels like a closed door.”
Stricter regulations on asylum seekers and heightened scrutiny of immigration applications have fostered a hostile atmosphere for potential refugees, leading to a growing sense of despair among many of those who once viewed the U.S. as their ultimate destination.
