182 Kenyans illegally living in the United States of America (USA) were among thousands of immigrants arrested on Monday while applying for work permits.
The arrested group was avoiding deportation through an application seeking to be included in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
DACA program allows immigrants who posses minimum requirements to receive two years of deferred action.
According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a total of 118,371 foreigners were arrested.
“The release of this report reflects the agency’s ongoing focus on transparency.
“The report provides updated information on known arrests and apprehensions of DACA requestors.
“The data may include arrests that did not result in convictions or where the charges were dropped or otherwise dismissed,” said USCIS.
Africa had 1,100 applicants arrested while North America recorded the highest number at 107,669. Oceania had the least number at 88.
DACA program was enacted in 2012 by former President Barack Obama’s administration.
Successful applicants for the program ought to have not convicted a felony, significant misdemeanour, or three or more ‘non-significant’ misdemeanours arising out of different activities.
They are also not expected to pose a threat to national security or public safety.