"Last Chance Before Trump's Inauguration"... US on Alert Amid Surge in Illegal Immigration Signs

US Discusses Contingency Plans for Trump Election
Mexican Smuggling Brokers Encourage Immigration
US Sees 5000% Surge in 'Canada Immigration' Searches

The Joe Biden administration has begun preparing emergency measures in anticipation of a surge in attempts at illegal immigration to the United States ahead of the inauguration of Donald Trump, the 47th President-elect of the United States, NBC News reported on the 6th (local time).

According to sources, Alejandro Mayorkas, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, held a video conference on the 4th with key aides and directors of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to discuss the potential negative impact on border security if President-elect Trump wins the election.

AFP Yonhap News

Officials anticipate that since President-elect Trump has threatened during his campaign to close the southern border and expel illegal immigrants from the first day of his inauguration, immigrants who see the period before the inauguration next month as their 'last chance' will attempt to cross the border in large numbers. To address the potential surge in immigration, the Department of Homeland Security reportedly reviewed various measures, including what preparations have been made, whether rapid deportation of illegal immigrants can continue, and whether there is sufficient space to detain immigrants before deportation.

Even before the election, reports emerged of large caravans of immigrants departing in Mexico toward the northern border. After the election results were announced, human smuggling brokers reportedly used the messaging app WhatsApp, a tool for soliciting clients, to stir anxiety among prospective immigrants with messages such as "This is the last chance" and "After January 21, the border will be closed with the highest security."

Gustavo Banda, who operates a shelter for U.S. immigration hopefuls in Tijuana, Mexico near the U.S. border, said, "Anxiety and worry are spreading among immigration hopefuls," adding, "No one knows what will happen. That is why, for now, we are telling them that nothing has changed."

A spokesperson for U.S. CBP emphasized, "Immigrants should not be deceived by the lies of brokers," and stressed, "Immigration laws are in effect, and the fact remains that people must enter the United States in a safe, legal, and orderly manner."

The increase in immigration hopefuls following the U.S. election results is not limited to Central and South America. According to Google data cited by The Hill, on election day, online searches in the U.S. for keywords such as "Canada migration" and "Canada immigration" surged by more than 5000%. Particularly, regions with strong support for Vice President Kamala Harris, such as Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, and Vermont, showed high search volumes.

The Hill explained that Americans wishing to immigrate to Canada must go through difficult procedures and give up various benefits. Experts recommend that citizens relieve election-related stress caused by the polarized U.S. political landscape through consultations with specialists.