A social media post by a US-based Kenyan businesswoman and nurse, Nafula Sharleen, has ignited conversation among Kenyans online after she shared informal advice on how undocumented migrants in the United States can regularise their stay.
In a widely circulated message written in a mix of Sheng and Swahili, Sharleen addressed Kenyans living in the US whose visas have expired, warning them about the risks of remaining in the country without valid documentation.
She described such individuals as being at risk of arrest by immigration authorities and forced to work in difficult conditions to avoid detection.
Her main proposal, however, has drawn both attention and criticism. Sharleen suggested that one of the “simplest” ways to resolve immigration challenges is by forming relationships with US citizens, implying that marriage or long-term partnerships could lead to legal residency and eventual issuance of a green card.
She cautioned that such arrangements require commitment, noting that leaving the relationship prematurely could jeopardise one’s immigration status.
At the same time, she advised Kenyans to be strategic in choosing partners, suggesting older individuals with limited ties abroad may offer more stability compared to younger partners.
The post also highlighted the reality faced by undocumented migrants, including fear of arrest by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and limited employment opportunities due to lack of legal status.
Sharleen framed her remarks as practical guidance drawn from lived experience, though she delivered them in a humorous and informal tone.
However, her advice has sparked mixed reactions. Some Kenyans online viewed the message as a candid reflection of challenges faced by diaspora communities and appreciated the openness in discussing a sensitive topic.
Others criticised the remarks as misleading, warning that immigration processes in the United States are complex and strictly regulated, and that entering into relationships for immigration benefits can have legal consequences.
Immigration experts generally caution that while marriage to a US citizen can provide a pathway to legal residency, it must meet strict legal requirements and is subject to scrutiny to prevent fraud.
The discussion underscores the growing interest among Kenyans in opportunities abroad, as well as the risks and realities that come with irregular migration.