US and Ethiopia Step Up Immigration Crackdown in New Policy Era
By Aksah Italo
Published on 07/29/25
A recent wave of immigration reforms is reshaping policies across several countries driven by a blend of national security concerns and economic priorities. From the U.S. to Ethiopia, crackdowns on visa access, enforcement, and documentation is sending ripples through migrant communities and businesses.
Less than six months into his new term, U.S. President Donald Trump has rolled out renewed immigration restrictions, particularly targeting Sub- Saharan African nations, including Ethiopia. The administration cites concerns over visa overstays, fraud, and inadequate security vetting.
Effective July 8, 2025, the Trump administration revised its non-immigrant visa policy for Ethiopian citizens, sparking anxiety within communities. Nebiat Getachew, spokesperson for Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held a press briefing two weeks ago, stressing the importance of visa compliance.
"Visas shouldn’t be overstayed," Nebiat warned, adding that inaccuracies or forged documents would no longer be tolerated by U.S. authorities.
He emphasized that those who violate visa conditions risk legal consequences under the U.S. government’s tightened immigration enforcement.
He stressed the importance of avoiding visa overstays and submitting accurate documentation, adding that forged paperwork and immigration violations would no longer be tolerated.
“Visa holders should steer clear,” he cautioned, alluding to the U.S. government’s heightened scrutiny.
Trump's return to power was fueled by a campaign that sparked border security and illegal immigration, amid growing discontent over the surge in undocumented crossings under the Biden administration.
His policies target countries labeled as “failed states,” state sponsors of terrorism, and those with unreliable screening and high overstay rates.
The president’s campaign leaned heavily on anti-immigration rhetoric amid growing concerns over illegal border crossings during President Biden’s tenure.
According to U.S. reports, approximately 13 million undocumented immigrants currently live in the country, many of whom entered legally but overstayed their visas.
Meanwhile, data from the IMF reveals that more than 300 million people have migrated to different countries since 2024 either seeking better economic prospects or fleeing conflict and disasters.
Nebiat Getachew, spokesperson for Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign AffairsDespite the restrictive tone, immigration has been a vital driver of the U.S. labor market. A recent Financial Times report found that immigration accounted for the majority of U.S. labor force growth over the past decade. Experts caution that deportations and tighter entry rules could hinder businesses, disrupt innovation, and slow company formation.
They point out that as deportations increase and entry pathways shrink, labor shortages, reduced business formation, and stifled innovation may follow.
Ethiopia is also tightening its immigration framework. Authorities are implementing higher immigration fees, revised penalties, and stricter oversight, prompting alarm among foreign residents and diaspora communities.
One of the most notable changes is a restriction on visa categories for foreign nationals intending to work or reside in Ethiopia. Deportation-focused policies are already dampening economic participation among immigrant communities, affecting consumer spending and investor confidence.
The Ethiopian Immigration & Citizenship Service (ICS) recently raised renewal costs for residence cards issued to Ethiopian-origin foreign nationals. Officials say the changes are intended to combat unauthorized stays and illicit activities.
Two regulations, issued in July and October 2024 marked a turning point. The first raised service charges across multiple categories, while the second amended the 2005 immigration law and expanded penalties for noncompliance.
Overstaying penalties have surged from five dollars per day to 30 dollars. Individuals who overstay up to three years now face a 3,000 dollars fine plus daily penalties. Those exceeding that period incur fines of 5,000 dollars. Even expired transit visas now come with a 3,000 dollars fine.
Officials say these measures are intended to address growing concerns about foreign nationals establishing unauthorized businesses, engaging in trafficking, and submitting forged documents.
“There’s been an increase in illegal operations and fraudulent identification,” said one official, who emphasized that some foreigners are working in sectors reserved for locals.
The business community and diaspora members have voiced frustration over the changes. For many, the rising costs feel more like a deterrent than an incentive to remain connected to Ethiopia.
One particularly contentious issue is the spike in the cost of renewing the Ethiopian Origin ID. Once priced at 200 dollars, it now costs 300dollars, with 100dollar penalty for those who are even a month late.
Experts warn the new regulations could deter skilled expatriates and foreign investors. Immigration and employment lawyer Abdi Temam argues that while security is important, the economic value of immigrants must not be overlooked.
“Most abuse comes from visit visas,” he noted, calling for differentiated rules for work permits and skilled migration.
He observes the contradiction in Ethiopia's policy: while the country opens sectors like banking and retail to foreign investment, it tightens immigration in a way that may stifle talent inflow.
“There’s a contradiction here,” said Abdi. “African countries are moving toward visa-free zones, yet Ethiopia’s policy is becoming more restrictive.
Ethiopia’s digital ID transformation.
He acknowledged that misuse of visit visas and rising undocumented migration are genuine concerns, but called for a more balanced approach, stating that Immigration policies shouldn’t be rigid and discouraging.
“Visas are privileges, not rights but that doesn’t mean access should be punitive,” he said.
The ICS has faced heavy criticism in recent years over passport delays, poor service, and corruption. A 2023 audit revealed officials collected unauthorized fees through personal bank accounts and awarded contracts to an unregistered company, Viditure, which overcharged Ethiopian expatriates.
The audit also revealed the embezzlement of 17 million birr and led to the arrest of 44 ICS employees, including the deputy director.
Since then, leadership has shifted. Selamawit Dawit, appointed as Director General of ICS two years ago, has spearheaded reforms aimed at restoring public trust and streamlining services.
Her administration has introduced electronic passports (e-passports) embedded with biometric data to combat fraud and reduce reliance on foreign currency.
Under her leadership, ICS partnered with Toppan Security Ethiopia S.C., a Japanese-owned firm now capable of printing over five million passports annually. The company has also begun supplying Ethiopia’s digital identity verification infrastructure.
According to ICS, the new e-passports not only store machine-readable data but also include facial recognition and fingerprint biometrics streamlining border control and strengthening national security.
"We are making a lot of changes around immigration and passport services," said Selamawit.
Experts note that as both the U.S. and Ethiopia crack down on immigration, policymakers face the challenge of balancing enforcement with economic sustainability.