Prime
Impact of Trump’s crackdown as 300 Tanzanians blacklisted by US
This crisis has forced Tanzanian communities to unite and seek support. Many are engaging with legal counsel.
What you need to know:
- For many Tanzanians, their usual gathering places—such as ‘African markets,’ where they find food and goods reminiscent of their homeland—have now become potential hotspots for ICE agents
In the wake of the 2024 US presidential election, as political tensions escalated, President Joe Biden stepped aside to allow Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the Democratic ticket against a familiar face—the billionaire businessman, Donald Trump.
Known for his divisive rhetoric and strong stance on immigration, Trump wasted no time in reshaping his campaign message as he faced off against his new opponent.
His rallying cry was clear: illegal immigration needed to be stopped, and he would make it his mission to remove undocumented immigrants if granted a second term.
True to his word, the newly sworn-in president began to unveil his “Project 2025”—a” controversial manifesto that outlined aggressive measures aimed at curbing illegal immigration in the United States.
Among the policies gaining attention was the large-scale deportation of undocumented migrants, a move that has sent shockwaves through immigrant communities across the country.
Tanzania, a country of approximately 100,000 citizens in the US, is no exception. While most Tanzanians in the US are law-abiding residents, there is a small but significant fraction who have overstayed their visas, leaving them vulnerable under Trump’s stricter immigration policies.
In recent weeks, more than 300 Tanzanians have been identified for deportation, sparking fear and uncertainty among this diaspora community.
Tanzanians in the US have long enjoyed a sense of safety, believing that if they remained law-abiding and low-profile, they could avoid the attention of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
However, the shifting political landscape has made It is clear that these assumptions are no longer valid. ICE, a federal agency tasked with enforcing immigration laws, has ramped up its activities, and rumours of raids have left many on edge.
For many Tanzanians, their usual gathering places—such as ‘African markets,’ where they find food and goods reminiscent of their homeland—have now become potential hotspots for ICE agents. These markets, which once served as sanctuaries for Africans seeking a taste of home, have now become places of caution, with people advised to avoid them to reduce the risk of detention.
In response to this growing crisis, prominent Tanzanians who have become US citizens have rallied together to assist their fellow countrymen at risk of deportation. Many have urged undocumented Tanzanians to take steps to safeguard their financial assets, suggesting they move their money into Tanzanian institutions or make contingency plans in case they are detained.
The heartbreak of deportation is made all the more tragic by the fact that some of those facing removal from the country have children born in the US, making them American citizens.
These children, left behind by their parents, face the grim possibility of being separated from their families while their undocumented parents are sent back to Tanzania.
To mitigate this risk, parents have been advised to arrange legal guardianship for their children in case the worst happens, ensuring that their American-born children are not placed in state custody.
Legal experts are also advising families to prepare for potential deportation by familiarising themselves with their rights, securing legal counsel, and exploring options for family reunification. Under US law, children over the age of 18 can sponsor their parents to stay in the country, but whether this will be a viable option for many remains to be seen.
For some, the reality of deportation is a harsh one. Tanzanian communities across the US have come together to discuss the growing crisis, hosting seminars and conferences with immigration lawyers to provide crucial information on rights and legal avenues.
However, the fear remains palpable—especially for those who worry about their children being taken into state custody and placed in group homes, a nightmare scenario for many.
As the deportation As the process continues, the ripple effects of Trump’s policy are already being felt across various sectors.
Factories and farms, heavily reliant on immigrant labour, have reported a shortage of workers, with many too afraid to show up to work for fear of detention.
This labour gap has led to speculation that the US agricultural industry will experience rising costs as production slows, which will likely affect other sectors dependent on agriculture.
Meanwhile, back in Tanzania, the impact of this mass deportation on remittances and diaspora investments remains uncertain.
Tanzanians in the US contribute significantly to the economy through both financial support for family members back home and through investments in local businesses.
In the coming months, as more families are torn apart by deportations, the financial toll will undoubtedly become clearer.
Despite the uncertainty and emotional pain that deportation brings, Tanzanians in the Diaspora are showing resilience.
While many are being forced to start over, either in the US or back in Tanzania, they remain determined to carry on with their lives. For the families facing separation, the future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the deportation crisis has brought Tanzanians together, united by a shared sense of struggle and a desire for support in navigating an increasingly hostile immigration landscape.
