Between joy and frustration: Peruvian community in the US narrow how the first days of Trump’s return

Hours after assuming the position, Trump declared a “national emergency” on the border with Mexico and ordered the authorities to “immediately deport” all people who enter irregularly in the US.

He also established that people born in the US of undocumented parents or with a “temporary” legal status will not be able to obtain citizenship and gave free via migration raids in places previously considered “protected” such as schools, churches and hospitals, among other measures.

As the first days of Trump’s mandate advance, some members of the Peruvian community in the United States have mixed perspectives on the impact of their policies. While some celebrate the actions that favor the economy and that, they affirm, help to stop irregular immigration, others are concerned about the dismantling of the government and the social polarization that it could generate.

According to the INEI publication “Peru: Statistics of international migration, to 2023 (a vision from administrative records)”, the United States houses the most extensive Peruvian community abroad, representing approximately 30.2% of the estimated total of 3 ′ 490,519 of Peruvians living outside our country, which is equivalent to 1,054,137 people.

The estimates of our consular offices in the United States reveal that around 400,000 Peruvians could be in irregular immigration situation in that country.

Between economic optimism and social divisions

Ragi Burhum, a scientist in Peruvian computing residing in California, points out that the reaction of the business sector has been positive, especially in relation to new regulations and impulse to markets.

“Since Trump’s arrival, there has been a very positive response, especially in the world of cryptocurrencies,” he says to El Comercio. However, he acknowledges that the country is still divided. On the one hand, libertarians and business sectors are satisfied with the policies implemented, but, on the other, there are frustrated sectors, especially those that supported the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris.

Burhum also mentions the growing polarization regarding the release of those involved in the riots of January 6, 2021. “A sector is happy and feels claimed. On the other hand, there is a frustration and a feeling of betrayal for that. In that specific aspect I do see a division. ”

He adds that the issue of immigration generates confusion in some sectors. “Those who have fulfilled their procedures legally have no concern, but others are very insecure about how new policies will affect them. In general, you live day to day, we are just beginning to see the new policies that are being established and what will happen with that, ”he adds.

He explains that Trump has entered to act strongly and that is common in the presidents that reach a second mandate. “He has already had the experience of the first time, he has already had the space of four years and now he is entering the stage he is going to do what he has to do, he will create his legacy. It is no longer about seeking re -election and it is not like other presidents who are sometimes looking at their political party to try to benefit them as well. It’s Donald Trump, he’s doing what he wants and let’s see what happens. ”

Immigration: A dividing line

From Indiana, Myriam Hiatt Saavedra, a Peruvian follower of Donald Trump, expresses his support for the new mandate of the Republican, especially for his position on immigration issues. It considers that the measures taken by the President, such as the fight against illegal immigration, are well received by much of the population.

“Many of those who supported Trump did it for the problem of illegal immigration and violence related to immigrants. It is true that not all are criminals, but a lot of criminals has come lately, ”he says. HIATT considers that Trump’s measures in this area are necessary, although he acknowledges that there is a strong division around these issues.

He adds that those who voted for Trump expect him to fulfill their promises. “He has promised to get undocumented people, I do not mean all, but those who have a criminal record. He has put a decree for Aragua train members to be considered terrorists. Another urgent thing that we expect is that the economy improves and those who vote for it are very happy that all the people who were arrested on January 6, 2021, ”he points out.

For its part, Abel Ramos, Peruvian political strategist residing in Miami, points out that the population is divided into their opinions. People celebrate Trump’s return for the promises of strengthening the economy, but there are concerns about their decisions, such as the exit of Paris agreements and the impact on immigrant families.

Ramos, who considers that the measures that will have the most consequences for now are those that point to immigration and the restructuring of the federal government, shows its concern about mass deportation measures and the impact it could have on families that have lived in the country for years.

“For the moment, I have more concerns than expectations. They are just four days and Trump is dismantling the government, withdrawing the country from important agreements and ceasing to implement laws. I am worried about Elon Musk’s role in his government. I worry that he has forgiven the insurrectionists of January 6. I worry that sport to thousands of immigrants and separates numerous families, many of them Peruvians without documentation that have been living for years and contributing to the life of the nation. It is exacerbating polarization and spirits in the population, ”he says.