Photo: Nafula Sharleen/Facebook
A US-based Kenyan nurse has raised concern over what she describes as a growing wave of silent deportations affecting undocumented Kenyans abroad, warning of the financial and emotional toll on those forced to return home abruptly.
Nafula Sharleen, speaking through a detailed social media post, claimed that several Kenyans in the United States are being deported quietly, often after months in detention.
She cited a case of a Kenyan-Ugandan friend who had reportedly been held since February before being deported without public attention.
According to her account, many Kenyans living abroad without proper documentation continue to work under difficult conditions, often in informal or low-profile jobs.
While they strive to support families back home through remittances, Sharleen argued that the reality upon deportation is often harsh and isolating.
She alleged that some deported individuals return to find that money they had sent home for investment had been misused or lost.
In one instance, she claimed a deported friend discovered that funds meant for development projects had disappeared, leaving him financially stranded and emotionally distressed.
Sharleen further pointed to what she described as a transactional relationship between some diaspora workers and their families.
She claimed that many relatives view those abroad primarily as sources of income, leading to strained relationships when the financial support stops.
“Families back home sometimes treat those abroad like ATMs. When the money stops, the relationship changes,” she suggested, warning that deported individuals may face stigma and rejection upon return.
Her remarks come at a time when immigration enforcement policies in the United States remain a topic of debate, particularly concerning undocumented migrants.
While official data on Kenyan deportations remains limited, diaspora advocacy groups have previously raised concerns about detention conditions and legal vulnerabilities facing African migrants.
Sharleen also highlighted emerging coping strategies among Kenyans abroad, including investing in property back home as a safety net.
She noted that some diaspora workers are opting to purchase apartments in areas such as Tatu City, allowing them to secure housing and rental income in case of deportation.
She argued that such investments provide a sense of stability, enabling returnees to reintegrate more easily without relying entirely on extended family networks.
Her message concluded with a caution to Kenyans living abroad without citizenship or legal status, urging them to plan for uncertainty.
She emphasized that deportation can happen unexpectedly, and those affected may have limited support systems upon their return.