Kasts Immigration Agenda Sparks Uncertainty in Northern Chile

Chile’s President-elect Jose Antonio Kast Issues Warning on Immigration Ahead of Inauguration

Arica y Parinacota, Chile - On November 28, with the presidential election run-off approaching, far-right candidate Jose Antonio Kast issued a statement to irregular immigrants in Chile. “103 days remain for you to leave our country voluntarily,” he said.

Kast ultimately won the election and is expected to be sworn in on March 11. However, residents in Arica y Parinacota have observed an increase in immigration ahead of his inauguration. Andrea Chellew, a 62-year-old resident and former Senate candidate, stated that “the immigration situation is now much worse” in the region.

Arica y Parinacota has been a focal point for Chile’s immigration concerns due to its location as a tip of land between Peru, Bolivia, and the Pacific Ocean. The area has seen an uptick in organized crime, which was a central issue in Kast’s election campaign.

Kast is popular in the cities and highland deserts of Arica y Parinacota, where he won the region by a wide margin. However, his impending presidency has prompted some immigrants to cross the border before his crackdown can begin. Chellew noted that migrants and asylum seekers are using alternate routes to enter Chile, largely through Bolivia.

Chile’s immigration policies have been a topic of discussion among residents. Kast’s iron-fisted approach to immigration is expected to alleviate pressures on the region but may also deepen divides. The region has seen an increase in organized crime, which was a central issue in Kast’s election campaign.

Kast’s presidency is expected to bring significant changes to Chile’s immigration policies. However, the impact of these changes on the region and its residents remains to be seen.

Source: Al Jazeera