The foundation of the US-Kenya partnership is the strong relationships between our people, including thousands of students, tourists, and business travellers who move legally between the tow countries every year. However, not every traveller follows the law, and those who violate US immigration law harm both the United States and legitimate travellers.

To make America safe, strong, and prosperous, President Trump is ensuring adherence to US immigration laws. To put it plainly, if you try to enter the US illegally, lie to get a visa, work without legal permission, or stay after your visa or visa waiver period expires, you will face serious penalties, including jail time, deportation, and a permanent ban on obtaining a US visa in the future.

The fair application of the rule of law is a cornerstone of democratic societies, including the US and Kenya. Although some people believe they can sneak into the US and avoid being caught, this is not true. The Trump administration has strengthened border security and greatly increased the number of illegal aliens being arrested and deported. In February 2025, illegal border crossings dropped 94 percent compared with February 2024, while arrests of illegal border crossers inside the US increased by 627 percent. If you try to cross a US border or remain in the US illegally, you will be caught, detained, and sent back. You may also be banned from ever returning or face fines and criminal charges.

The US visa process is the most secure in the world. Yet, some people unwisely still try to cheat the system by using fake documents, lying on applications, or staying after their visa expires. These are examples of visa fraud, and it is a serious crime. If you break the law in this way, you may never be allowed to enter the US again and may face additional penalties. Moreover, failure to tell the whole truth during your visa interview will result in a denial and could lead to long-term ineligibility.

For those considering making the dangerous journey to illegally cross into the US, understand that your safety – and even your life – is at risk. Criminal groups target illegal migrants, subjecting them to violence, extortion, and assault. Many who attempt the journey never make it to their destination.

The US is working with other countries in North and South America to stop and return people trying to enter illegally before they even reach the US border. By securing our borders, we are not only protecting American citizens, but also preventing the suffering caused by illegal immigration.

Stopping illegal immigration is also a battle against human trafficking, corruption, and organised crime. The US government is taking action against those who help others enter the country illegally. This includes smugglers, human traffickers and even foreign government officials who allow illegal immigration to continue.

Recently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new visa restriction policy for foreign officials – including immigration, customs, and port authority staff – who fail to help stop illegal immigration. This builds on similar existing restrictions for those in the transportation and tourism industries. Those who threaten US security by facilitating illegal immigration are not welcome in the US.

The risks of trying to illegally immigrate to the US far outweigh any potential benefits. You could lose your life, become a victim of criminals, or end up with a record that damages your future and your family’s future. Illegal entry not only breaks US laws, it also puts your safety and well-being in jeopardy. The penalties are serious: jail time, separation from your family, and permanent bans from re-entering the US. If you know someone who is in the US illegally, the best thing you can do for them is encourage them to leave now.

For everyone who wishes to travel to the US, the message is simple: Make the right choice, follow the law, and do not risk your safety, your family, or your future.

— The writer is the Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Kenya