A new draft bill introduced by House Republicans in the US proposes a 5% excise tax on all money sent abroad, potentially hitting millions of African families who rely on remittances from loved ones overseas.
Under this proposed law, the sender would pay the tax, with collections handled quarterly by the US Treasury.
This move follows a trend of tougher measures under former President Donald Trump’s administration, now resurfacing in policy discussions, with immigration and trade back in the spotlight.
For many African nations, diaspora remittances are a lifeline—funding everything from school fees to hospital bills.
If passed, this bill could severely impact household incomes and national economies across the continent.
Is this tax a necessary policy or a harsh blow to hardworking immigrants and their families?
