[Interview] "Anti-immigration supporters enthusiastic about Trump... Refugee issue will shake US presidential election"

Interview with Kim Dong-seok, Representative of the Korean American Voters Alliance in the U.S.

"In this year's U.S. presidential election, immigration issues are as important as the economy. The enthusiastic support for former President Donald Trump can be seen as one of the barometers reflecting Americans' opposition to refugees."

Kim Dong-seok, Representative of the Korean American Voters Coalition (KAGC)

Kim Dong-seok, head of the Korean American Voters Coalition (KAGC), stated in a recent interview with Asia Economy at his office in Fort Lee, New Jersey, "Among American voters, there is a growing perception that the influx of refugees is undermining the U.S. immigration system and the values that America has upheld." Kim was shocked by the reality that no one represented Korean Americans during the 1992 Los Angeles (LA) riots, and has participated in Washington politics for over 30 years by mobilizing Korean political power and conducting voter movements to influence the U.S. Congress.

He explained, "With inflation under control, economic issues have improved," adding, "Therefore, immigration issues, especially refugee matters, have emerged as the most important issues in this election." He further noted, "Voters are rejecting refugees because the hard-earned money is being spent on managing the countless incoming refugees," indicating growing dissatisfaction among the white middle class, the mainstream of American society.

He analyzed that behind the high approval ratings of former President Trump, a leading Republican presidential candidate, lies the anger of the 'Angry Whites' regarding refugee issues. During his tenure, Trump pushed for the construction of a southern border wall and pledged to immediately deport illegal immigrants if re-elected.

Kim said, "It is not just Trump as a person, but his policy stance such as 'America First' and 'MAGA (Make America Great Again)' that appeals to voters," adding, "One of the reasons explaining his enthusiastic support is his tough stance on refugee issues."

He emphasized that the refugee issue will be the key topic shaking the swing state undecided voters who hold the key to the upcoming November election, expected to be a rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Trump. Kim predicted, "Both former President Trump and President Biden won six swing states in 2016 and 2020 to enter the White House," and added, "Immigration issues, which have become a pressing concern for undecided voters in swing states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona, are likely to determine the outcome of this year's U.S. presidential election."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.