Alvin Mclean, recently deported from the United States, has emerged as a key figure in supporting Jamaican nationals returning home after prolonged absences. Since May 2025, when deportations from the US to Jamaica increased notably, individuals like Mclean have faced challenges adapting to a country that is legally their home but unfamiliar in everyday life. Through his role as program director of the Family Unification & Resettlement Initiative (FURI), Mclean assists deportees in navigating the initial stages of resettlement, providing guidance on obtaining identification, securing employment, and finding housing.
FURI, a nonprofit organization based in New York, offers assistance to deportees often arriving with limited resources and facing uncertainty. Many deportees have spent most of their lives outside Jamaica, which complicates their reintegration. Mclean, 58, who was deported himself after spending over three decades in prison in the United States, draws from his personal experience to help others transition. His own incarceration began following a conviction for murder and other charges—claims he contests—during which he worked extensively with inmates preparing for release and deportation.
One recent deportee, Keton Cole, exemplifies the struggles and resilience of those returning. Cole moved to the US in 1993 and served in the Marine Corps starting in 1996. Despite holding a renewed green card, he was detained upon reentry at New York's JFK airport after a visit to Jamaica and subsequently deported in September 2025. Uncertain of the reasons behind his detention, Cole connected with FURI while still in custody. Drawing on resources FURI provided, including a business startup brochure developed by Mclean, Cole successfully established a business cleaning diesel particulate filters, replicating his former New York trade.
The Jamaican government has historically viewed the influx of deportees with concern, citing potential negative impacts on economic development and national security. However, advocates like Mclean and FURI’s founder, Carmeta Albarus, see an opportunity to harness this population’s skills and experiences. Albarus, who launched FURI in 2002, believes that with adequate support, deportees can contribute positively to Jamaica’s economy and society.
Despite these efforts, resettlement remains fraught with obstacles. Many deportees arrive without housing or financial stability and face significant bureaucratic challenges. On arrival days, Mclean distributes essentials such as toiletries and snacks at shelters like Kingston’s Open Arms Development Center. Germaine Cassie, deported after nearly three decades in the US and amidst ongoing immigration petitions, recently received such aid. He described the deportation as unexpected and confusing, and is currently exploring legal avenues to return to the US.
Resources and comprehensive assistance remain limited. At a recent symposium, a representative from Jamaica’s Planning Institute noted that while the government focuses primarily on policy, support on the ground is often left to small nonprofits with constrained budgets and capacity. Mclean acknowledges FURI's current limitations but remains committed to expanding the organization’s reach and effectiveness, envisioning a future where deported individuals contribute to a "brain gain" for Jamaica rather than being seen solely as a challenge.