Washington D.C.: The US President's newly passed tax bill, which includes a significant levy on remittances leaving the country, is set to have a profound impact on African migrants and their families. The bill, passed by the House of Representatives on May 22, imposes a 3.5% tax on remittances sent by anyone who is not a US citizen or national, a reduction from the originally proposed 5%. According to Deutsche Welle, this policy has sparked intense criticism, particularly from regions such as Latin America, and it is anticipated to adversely affect poor migrants from Mexico, Central America, and South America. Enoch Aikins, a political economist specializing in Africa, emphasized the detrimental effects this tax could have on African economies, which rely heavily on remittances. World Bank data highlights that over $92 billion was sent as remittances to Africa in 2024, with the United States contributing at least $12 billion of this amount. The US is the largest origin country for remittances globally, acc ounting for over $656 billion in 2023 alone. Monica de Bolle, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, pointed out the challenges in tracking remittances due to unrecorded transactions. Despite these challenges, available data underscores the US's crucial role as a source of remittances for Africa and other regions. Remittances are vital for Africa for several reasons. They constitute a significant income source for many of the continent's economies, often surpassing aid and foreign direct investment. Aikins noted that remittances currently stand as the "largest external financial flow into Africa," free from the administrative hurdles that often accompany aid. Monica de Bolle criticized the remittance levy, suggesting that migrants might seek unofficial channels to avoid the tax. She highlighted the rarity of remittance taxation globally and suggested it aligns with the Trump administration's stance on illegal migration. Enoch Aikins, while not directly affected by the tax, expressed concern for those reliant on US-origin remittances. He anticipates a shift towards cryptocurrencies and other non-traditional methods for sending money, as migrants strive to support their families back home amid these new financial constraints.