AI-Powered Immigrant Crackdown: Election Season Sees Rise in Xenophobic Pledges

As South Korea gears up for local elections, a disturbing trend is re-emerging: the exploitation of anti-immigrant sentiment for political advantage. The latest example comes from a candidate who has proposed using artificial intelligence to identify and deport undocumented immigrants, a policy that taps into existing anxieties and prejudices.

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We will use artificial intelligence surveillance cameras to identify and expel illegal immigrants.

This candidate's platform, which includes pledges to abolish policies perceived as favoring foreigners and to restrict land ownership by Chinese nationals, is indicative of a broader strategy seen in some conservative political circles. Following a period of heightened anti-China sentiment, political actors are increasingly leveraging these feelings to mobilize voters. This approach, while potentially effective in garnering support, carries significant risks of normalizing discrimination and fostering a hostile environment for immigrants.

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Immigrant hate began to intensify as the conservative forces mobilized anti-China sentiment, replacing the 'North Wind' or 'Gunpowder Plot' tactics used in the past to rally their supporters.

The implications of such rhetoric extend beyond mere political maneuvering. It can create a climate of fear and alienation for immigrant communities, potentially discouraging their participation in the democratic process. As one expert noted, the focus on "national fairness" and "reciprocity" in policies affecting foreigners can inadvertently lead to increased isolation and discrimination. This trend raises critical questions about inclusivity and the kind of society South Korea aims to be as its demographic landscape continues to evolve.

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The election of President Yoon Suk-yeol, who openly exposed 'anti-China' sentiment during the presidential election campaign, led to the full-fledged intensification of immigrant hate during the 2022 local elections.