Senegal Launches Awareness campaign Amidst Stricter US Immigration policies

Dakar, Senegal – In response to the increasingly stringent immigration policies of the United States, the Senegalese government has initiated a complete awareness campaign aimed at informing and assisting its citizens. The Ministry of African integration and Foreign Affairs, under the leadership of Yassine Fall, released a statement on june 14, 2025, outlining the measures being taken to educate Senegalese nationals about the updated US border security system.

Key Changes in US Immigration Policy

The updated US border security system focuses on two primary areas: imposing severe penalties for any attempts at irregular entry into American territory and establishing a voluntary return program for undocumented immigrants, which includes financial assistance.These changes reflect a broader trend of increased border security measures in recent years. Such as, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has considerably increased its use of technology for border surveillance, investing $4.9 billion in border security technology in 2023 alone [1].

Did You Know? The US authorities arrested Senegalese migrants 20,231 times for crossing the border illegally between July and December, a tenfold increase compared to the previous six months [2].

According to the ministry’s statement, individuals found guilty of attempting or committing an irregular immigration act will face criminal and administrative sanctions. Furthermore, a ban on entering US soil is now a possibility, even for those with prior sentences or criminal records. This heightened enforcement comes as the US government seeks to curb illegal immigration and strengthen border control.

Voluntary Return Program and the CBP Home Mobile App

The Senegalese ministry highlighted the introduction of the CBP Home Mobile application (www.dhs.gov/cbphome), which allows migrants in irregular situations to request voluntary return to their country of origin, avoiding legal proceedings. This app is part of a broader effort by the US government to streamline the deportation process and encourage voluntary compliance with immigration laws.

Senegal’s Awareness Campaign: Protecting Its Citizens

The Senegalese ministry has announced a series of awareness-raising initiatives targeting nationals living in the United States or planning to travel there. The primary goal is to protect the interests of senegalese citizens by informing them about the risks involved in irregular immigration and the new procedures in place.

The press release emphasizes the importance of several key actions for Senegalese citizens:

• Verifying the validity of their visas before traveling to the United States.
• Strictly adhering to the residence permits authorized by US authorities.
• Contacting the Embassies and Consulates of Senegal for any additional information.

Pro Tip: Before traveling, always check the latest travel advisories and immigration regulations on the US Department of State website.

Diplomatic Collaboration and Future Steps

The ministry emphasized that Senegal’s diplomatic and consular missions in the United States are working closely with the American administration, fostering bilateral cooperation and respecting the laws in force. These missions are committed to continuing awareness efforts to safeguard the interests of Senegalese residents in the USA.

Faced with an increasingly rigorous American migration policy, Dakar is prioritizing prevention and assistance, urging its nationals to exercise vigilance and obligation. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the potential negative impacts of the stricter US policies on Senegalese citizens.

Key Immigration Statistics

What are your thoughts on the US immigration policies? How do you think this will affect the Senegalese?

Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!