Central to his agenda is the initiation of mass deportations, aimed at removing millions of undocumented immigrants.
Reports indicate that deportation orders are among more than 100 executive orders the incoming Head of State is expected to issue to tackle illegal immigration, shake up the U.S. economy, and refocus domestic and foreign policy goals.
'When President Trump takes office on Monday, there is going to be shock and awe with executive orders â€" a blizzard of executive orders â€" on the economy, as well as on the border,' John Barrasso, a senator from Wyoming and the majority whip, intimated to British media.
Steve Bannon, who served in Trump's first administration, said, 'These days of thunder starting next week are going to be incredibly, incredibly intense.'
The proposed large-scale deportation efforts are expected to affect all undocumented communities, including those from African nations. While African immigrants constitute a smaller percentage of the undocumented population, they still face the threat of detention and removal, leading to family separations and community disruptions.
The logistical challenges of such an expansive operation raise concerns about due process and the humane treatment of detainees.
Many African immigrants find themselves living in the U.S. without legal status due to a variety of factors. For some, the journey begins with overstaying visas after entering the country legally for tourism, education, or business.
Others arrive fleeing conflict, political instability, or economic hardship, often without the proper documentation to apply for asylum or refugee status. Some African migrants also face long delays in the processing of their immigration applications, leaving them vulnerable to falling out of status. These individuals often seek better opportunities for their families, hoping to escape poverty or violence.
While the majority of African immigrants contribute positively to the U.S. economy and society, their undocumented status makes them particularly vulnerable to deportation, further exacerbating their already precarious situations.
During his campaign, Trump frequently criticized Democratic immigration policies, portraying them as lenient and detrimental to national interests.
He stated, "We're a dumping ground. We're like a garbage can for the world. That's what's happened."
Such rhetoric not only stigmatizes immigrants but also fosters an environment of fear and hostility, disproportionately affecting African diaspora communities.
At least 11 million undocumented migrants live in the U.S., with about 8 million working in sectors including agriculture and hospitality. They range from those who have never had a visa to those who have overstayed.
Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, said the first to be targeted would be those deemed 'public safety threats and national security threats.'
Sources who spoke to BBC's U.S. partner CBS intimated that raids to detain and deport migrants living in the U.S. without permission are set to begin on the first full day of Trump's administration.
Termination of Birthright Citizenship
Another policy under consideration is the termination of birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents. This change would directly affect African diaspora families, potentially rendering U.S.-born children stateless and limiting their access to essential services and opportunities.
The controversial policy is facing resistance from civil rights groups. The groups argue that citizenship by birth can only be changed by a constitutional amendment. This would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-quarters of state legislatures â€" a high bar, given that Republicans control just over half of the seats in the House and Senate, and less than two-thirds of the state legislatures.
Additionally, Trump is likely to cut back on the annual cap for refugee admissions from the 125,000 set by President Joe Biden. Biden had raised the numbers from the historic low of 15,000 set by Trump during his first administration.
In response to these impending challenges, African diaspora organizations and allies are mobilizing to provide support and advocate for humane immigration policies.
Efforts include legal assistance, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with broader immigrant rights movements to resist policies that undermine the dignity and rights of immigrant communities.
As America navigates this new era, the resilience and advocacy of African diaspora communities will be crucial in confronting these obstacles and striving for a more inclusive and just society.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
