This is bad news for Senegal after the re-election of Donald Trump. Indeed, his return to the presidency of the United States on January 20, 2025, marked a turning point in the country’s migration policies.
Among his first measures, the 47th president declared a “ national state of emergency » on the southern border with Mexico, making it possible to strengthen the military presence and relaunch the construction of the border wall, a key commitment of his first mandate.
These decisions aim to drastically limit illegal immigration, causing great concern among migrants from Latin America and Africa.
One of the most popular routes for African migrants to reach the United States goes through Nicaragua. This Central American country has become a strategic transit point thanks to the absence of visas for several African nationalities, including the Senegalese.
From Managua, would-be immigrants continue their journey north, often at great risk. In 2023, more than 9,000 Senegalese were arrested trying to cross the US border into Arizona, reflecting a significant increase from previous years.
Donald Trump’s new policies include strengthening border controls, increased expulsions and the suspension of some asylum programs.
-These measures directly target migrants who have taken this route, making their journey even more perilous. For the Senegalese, difficulties often begin even before leaving their country.
Transit countries like Spain have introduced mandatory transit visas, complicating travel. In addition, the Senegalese authorities recently banned local travel agencies from selling tickets to Nicaragua, thus closing a route that has become essential.
This situation reflects the human consequences of American migration policies. For many, the dream of a better life in the United States collides with increasingly harsh realities.
The measures taken by the Donald Trump administration thus amplify the risks and reinforce the uncertainties for these migrants coming from Senegal.
While some persist in their attempt, others find themselves stranded or forced to return to their country of origin, disillusioned.
