Somali and Sudanese refugees living in Kenya are set to face new hurdles in seeking asylum in the United States after President Donald Trump signed a proclamation restricting entry from 12 countries.
Announced on Wednesday, June 4, the directive is part of ongoing efforts by the US to curb what it describes as “unlawful” migration. The countries affected by the ban include Somalia, Sudan, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Yemen, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Chad.
In addition, citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will also face varying degrees of entry restrictions.
“We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm,” Trump said in a video shared on X.
The exact impact of this policy on Somali and Sudanese refugees currently residing in places like Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp remains uncertain. However, it is expected to significantly hinder their chances of being granted asylum in the US.
In 2023, 803 Somalis applied for asylum in the US. Of these, only about 7.3% were approved, while 127 were rejected and the rest are still pending. This is a small fraction of the more than 370,000 Somali refugees living in Kenya.
Trump’s proclamation, which takes effect on June 9, 2025, also leaves room for additions to the list. Kenya itself could be at risk of inclusion due to its evolving foreign policy stance—particularly its increasingly close ties with China.
US lawmakers, including Senator Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have voiced concerns over Kenya’s alignment with China. Risch criticized President William Ruto’s recent remarks about a joint vision with China for a new world order, describing it as more than alignment—it’s allegiance.
“I submit for the record the text of that speech. Relying on leaders who embrace Beijing so openly is an error. It’s time to reassess our relationship with Kenya and others who forge tight bonds with China,” Risch stated.
While the new immigration ban will not affect those holding valid US visas issued before June 9, it could seriously limit future opportunities for refugees and asylum seekers. Exemptions to the ban include Olympic and World Cup athletes, as well as lawful permanent residents of the United States.
