This archive report was first published on 28 June 2020.
Kenyan-born research scientist Dr Joseph has been living and working in the US on a temporary work permit for 12 years. The permit, processed by Neumann University in West Chester, Philadelphia, was up for renewal at the end of April but has been in limbo due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr Joseph's situation is not unique, as scores of Kenyans now living and working in the US are likely to get caught up in President Trump's visa/permit freeze announced early in the week. Since taking power in January 2017, President Trump has made every effort to cut immigration to the US.
Using the current pandemic as an excuse to control even legal immigration, President Trump in April ordered the suspension of immigration into the US in almost all legal categories apart from relatives of US citizens and members of the military. He also allowed the immigration of individuals whose services are deemed essential in the fight against Covid-19.
According to US-based Kenyan immigration lawyer Charles Wanjohi, during his entire term, Trump's administration has been fighting employment-based immigration. He says immigration practitioners like himself have experienced increased denials of petitions.
Dr David Amakobe, founder and CEO of African Wood Inc., argues that President Trump's new immigration ban will, in the long run, hurt the US economy more than the foreigners. He believes that since the ban coincides with border closures over Covid-19, it has no immediate effect. However, should President Trump be re-elected, foreigners who work on work visas may have to consider other options.
Dr Amakobe added that US technology and innovation is very reliant on foreign experts. He believes that like Britain under Margaret Thatcher, the US is relinquishing leadership and other countries are going to open up.
Mr Wanjohi advises those applying for asylum to seek experienced legal services in the process. The new restrictions took effect on June 24.
