The Biden administration's immigration policies have sparked controversy, with a recent report revealing the top 10 African countries with the fewest citizens deported from the US. According to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 2024 Annual Report, several African nations have remarkably low deportation rates, with some having no records of deportations since 2021.

The report's findings are significant, given the growing number of African migrants in the US. The Migration Policy Institute notes that the number of Sub-Saharan African immigrants in the US has grown sixteenfold since 1980, with approximately 2.1 million living in the country as of 2019. This demographic shift has important implications for both the US and African nations, particularly in terms of economic and political repercussions.

The ICE report highlights the strict immigration enforcement policies in place, with 271,484 removals recorded in 2024, marking a four-year high. Of these, 88,763 (or 32.7%) had criminal histories, with an average of 5.63 convictions and/or charges per individual. The report cites serious charges or convictions for offenses, including assaults, sexual assaults, weapons offenses, burglaries, robberies, homicides, and kidnappings.

While these figures underscore the need for African nations to work towards policies that reduce the vulnerability of their citizens to deportation, they also raise concerns over the potential economic and political consequences of mass deportations. The Trump administration's planned crackdown on illegal immigration could have far-reaching repercussions for African countries, particularly those with sizable diaspora groups in the US.

The report's findings also highlight the importance of responsible migration practices. The top 10 African countries with the lowest deportation rates under the Biden administration, as listed in the report, are: Comoros, Djibouti, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, Eswatini, Botswana, and Malawi, Mozambique, and Namibia (tied). These countries not only have a low diaspora in the US but also seemingly follow protocols when migrating.

The implications of these findings are multifaceted. For African nations, the need to develop policies that reduce the vulnerability of their citizens to deportation is clear. For the US, the report's findings underscore the importance of responsible immigration policies that balance national security concerns with humanitarian considerations. As the global migration landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for policymakers to engage in informed, nuanced discussions that address the complex needs of all stakeholders involved.

In conclusion, the ICE report's findings offer a timely reminder of the importance of responsible migration practices and the need for African nations to develop policies that reduce the vulnerability of their citizens to deportation. As the global community grapples with the challenges and opportunities presented by migration, it is essential to prioritize informed, evidence-based policymaking that balances national security concerns with humanitarian considerations.