Kenyan Woman Deported from US After Using Sister's Travel Documents

A Kenyan national has been deported from the United States following her conviction for fraud and misuse of visas after attempting to enter the country using her sister’s travel documents. 

Christin Nyabate Nyandemo, 33, was apprehended on February 21 at Washington Dulles International Airport after arriving from Accra, Ghana. United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers detected irregularities during a secondary inspection, leading to the discovery of additional documentation belonging to her sister, including tax forms, credit cards, and a birth certificate.

Nyandemo later admitted to using her sister’s valid Kenyan passport and US B-1/B-2 visitor visa to try to immigrate to the United States. These visas, categorized for nonimmigrant business (B-1) and tourism (B-2) purposes, are intended for temporary visits. The US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia successfully prosecuted Nyandemo under 18 USC 1546, a statute addressing visa fraud and false personation. She was subsequently convicted on April 4, as confirmed by CBP officials.

CBP Area Port Director Christine Waugh affirms the agency’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws, stating, "We hope this conviction sends a strong message that CBP remains dedicated to intercepting those attempting to illegally immigrate to the United States."

Nyandemo’s case unfolds amidst an intensified crackdown on illegal immigration during the Trump Administration. Following executive orders targeting unauthorized immigration, the Department of Homeland Security reported over 32,800 enforcement arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the first 50 days of 2025. Among those apprehended, 14,111 were convicted criminals, with an additional 9,980 facing pending criminal charges.

ICE has disclosed plans to deport over 1.4 million noncitizens from 187 countries, including 1,282 Kenyans. Other African nations on the deportation list include Nigeria, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Congo. CBP officials emphasize the importance of such operations in upholding the nation’s border security and protecting its citizens from potential threats.