A US-based Kenyan nurse and businesswoman, Nafula Sharleen, has shed light on why many Kenyans who travel to the United States on temporary visas often extend their stay beyond planned timelines, citing immigration uncertainties and economic pressures.
In a candid statement circulating online, Sharleen explained that while obtaining a visa to enter the United States may be straightforward, leaving and attempting to return on the same non-immigrant visa is far more uncertain.
According to her, this fear drives many Kenyans to remain in the country until they secure legal documentation that allows safer travel.
“Coming to the U.S. after you get a visa is easy, but going back home and returning is not guaranteed,” she noted, highlighting a reality that resonates with many in the diaspora.
Sharleen pointed out that once individuals arrive in America, they encounter economic opportunities that are difficult to ignore.
For many, returning to Kenya without assurance of re-entry into the U.S. presents a significant risk, particularly for those supporting extended families back home.
Her remarks also touched on the emotional toll of such decisions.
She revealed that some Kenyans living without proper documentation have missed critical family moments, including funerals of close relatives, due to fear of being barred from re-entering the United States. Instead, many are forced to participate in such events virtually.
The nurse emphasized that for individuals who are primary breadwinners, the stakes are even higher.
Traveling back home could result in long-term bans—ranging from five to 15 years—if immigration authorities determine there has been a visa overstay.
As a result, many opt to remain in the U.S., despite the personal sacrifices involved.
Sharleen also acknowledged that some individuals live for years without legal status, though she cautioned against prolonged undocumented stays, urging Kenyans abroad to make informed decisions about their environment and associations.
Her comments come amid ongoing discussions about the challenges faced by Kenyan migrants abroad, particularly those navigating complex immigration systems while supporting families back home.
In her closing remarks, Sharleen advised Kenyans in the diaspora to avoid judging one another, noting that life without legal documentation in the U.S. can be extremely difficult, especially under tightened immigration enforcement.
She also encouraged long-term planning, including investing back home, as a safety net in case circumstances abroad change unexpectedly.