Kenyans and other foreign nationals residing in the United States have been placed under renewed scrutiny after the administration of President Donald Trump issued a warning over activities that could affect an individual's ability to enter or remain in the country.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) identified several forms of immigration-related fraud that could result in a person being denied entry into the US. These include document, identity, marriage, visa, asylum and employment fraud.
The warning forms part of the agency's 'Protect America' initiative, which calls on members of the public to report suspected immigration fraud, abuse and other activities considered threats to the United States and its citizens.
“U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services prioritises the safety and security of the American people,” USCIS stated in a statement on Wednesday, September 16.
“We encourage the public to report any suspected fraud, abuse, or activities that threaten or undermine the United States, its government, citizens, or institutions.”
According to USCIS, document fraud involves the use of counterfeit or modified documents, while identity fraud occurs when an individual uses another person's identity to secure immigration benefits.
The agency also warned about marriage fraud, which involves entering into a marriage for the purpose of obtaining immigration benefits. Visa fraud, meanwhile, includes submitting false information during visa applications.
USCIS further identified asylum fraud as the submission of false claims to obtain asylum or other related immigration benefits in the United States.
Employment-related fraud was also highlighted. This includes providing misleading information about job offers or employment, with the agency specifically pointing to potential abuse of the H-1B, H-2B and EB-5 visa programmes.
Foreign nationals, including Kenyans, were additionally cautioned against falsely representing themselves as U.S. citizens. This includes actions such as registering or casting a vote in a federal election.
Beyond immigration fraud, USCIS said its enforcement efforts also extend to activities associated with terrorism, violence, threats to national security and risks to public safety.
The agency listed supporting terrorist ideologies, providing material assistance to terrorist organisations and promoting the violent overthrow of the U.S. government among activities that can be reported.
The warning comes as the Trump administration continues its intensified enforcement campaign against undocumented immigrants, with a number of people arrested and deported in recent months.
The U.S. government has also introduced a mobile application aimed at facilitating the voluntary departure of undocumented immigrants. The platform allows people living in the country illegally to arrange their departure before they are arrested or subjected to formal deportation proceedings.
