Good News To all Kenyans Who Deported Themselves From US as Trump Issues a Major Announcement

Kenyans who voluntarily left the United States under the ongoing self-deportation programme have received a major reprieve after President Donald Trump’s administration announced fresh incentives aimed at easing the burden for undocumented immigrants.

The update, released on Monday by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), confirms that all civil fines previously imposed on self-deporters will now be fully waived.

This development comes months after Trump unveiled the voluntary departure initiative in March 2025, a move that initially sparked scepticism among migrants and human rights groups.

According to DHS, the controversial programme has now been refined to provide a more structured and humane exit process.

Through a dedicated self-deportation app, undocumented immigrants can submit personal details including full names, current address, and a recent photo and access a range of new benefits.

One of the most attractive features is a USD 1,000 (KSh129,000) exit bonus, which will be issued upon completion of the self-deportation process.

The U.S. government will also shoulder all travel expenses, including airfare and internal transport, ensuring that migrants return home without incurring heavy financial costs.

Applicants must, however, indicate whether they can facilitate part of their travel.

In addition to financial incentives, self-deporters will enjoy immunity from enforcement actions by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

This grace period enables individuals to settle personal, work, and academic matters before leaving, while also offering the possibility of legally re-entering the United States in the future.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended the programme, noting that voluntary departures could save American taxpayers up to 70 per cent of the cost currently spent on arrests, detention, and forced deportation.

The announcement comes as hundreds of non-citizens continue to be deported under ICE operations.

For many Kenyans such as Samuel Kangethe, who recently returned home fearing stricter immigration laws the incentive package provides validation for their difficult decision to self-deport.