Farah, a 21-year-old gay woman from Morocco, found herself back in hiding after being deported by the US to Cameroon, where homosexuality is illegal. Violence from her family forced her to flee Morocco initially. Although a US immigration judge granted her protection, Farah was deported under the Trump administration’s third-country deportation policy.
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This policy aims to pressure undocumented migrants to leave the US and includes deporting individuals to countries they have never visited. Farah faced this situation despite her legal protection, raising concerns about due process and international law violations.
Farah recounted how she and her partner first escaped Morocco for Brazil with the hope of reaching the US. They journeyed through six countries, seeking asylum at the US border. However, just days before a scheduled hearing, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) suddenly deported her to Cameroon, where she was detained alongside other non-Cameroonian deportees.
Critics argue these deportations violate legal rights. Alma David, an immigration lawyer, highlighted that deportees were not clearly informed of their rights or options. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been accused of not providing sufficient alternatives for those deported.
The US has agreements with countries such as Cameroon, Ghana, and Rwanda, offering financial incentives to accept third-country deportees. Reports indicate that the Trump administration spent $40 million to deport approximately 300 migrants under these agreements.
After returning to Morocco, Farah lives in fear of being discovered by her family. She expressed frustration at being seen as a threat, emphasizing the significant contributions of immigrants to the US. Despite her ordeal, she remains hopeful for a better future.
Farah’s story highlights a complex immigration issue, drawing attention to the challenges faced by asylum seekers under current policies.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 22 Feb 2026
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