I’m Sophia, Brand Manager of CML and CMT, and I have a confession to make: I don’t know much about politics—let alone international politics. However, when a polarising figure like Mr. Trump makes his way back into the White House, I felt the need to look into it a bit more.
McDonald’s, Apple, Spotify… Let’s face it, America is everywhere. Especially this week, I’ve heard a lot of people talking about the new (or old) president of the United States. But why is that? Why are Australians so interested in American politics? And what possible impact could the election have on our daily lives?
At this stage, it’s unclear what exact policies the Trump administration will introduce. However, there are several potential areas where we might see an impact:
A Shift in Migration Choices
It is assumed that the Trump administration will tighten U.S. immigration policies, which means it could make it a lot harder for some people to move to the U.S. As a result, many might look to other countries, like Australia, as a potential new home. This would mean a significant influx in migration applications, especially from skilled workers, students and professionals – which may result in longer processing times for new applications.
Economic Changes and Opportunities
A new U.S. administration can also impact global trade and economic stability. If the Trump administration pursues its “America First” policies, we could see changes in trade relationships. For example, the Trump administration could introduce policies that focus on protecting U.S. industries, like reducing tariffs or trade restrictions with certain countries. This might make it easier for U.S. businesses to trade with other nations, which could affect global trade patterns. If these changes happen, they could ripple through the global economy and also impact Australia. For instance, Australian businesses that rely on exports to the U.S. or other countries might see changes in demand or prices, which could influence jobs and migration trends.
This may influence migration trends as well. If the U.S. economy struggles or job markets become less appealing, people might turn to Australia for better work opportunities. On the other hand, if global trade slows, some workers who might have planned to move to the U.S. could look to Australia for stability and growth instead.
Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Another important area to watch is the U.S. stance on refugees and asylum seekers. If the Trump administration takes a more restrictive approach to immigration, particularly for those seeking asylum or refugee status, more people may consider Australia as a safer option for resettlement. This could mean a rise in asylum applications or refugee cases.
Education and Skilled Migration
Australia is a popular destination for international students, and if the U.S. becomes less welcoming to foreign students or professionals, Australia could see a boost in applications from people seeking to study or work here. The U.S. has already made it harder for some international students to stay long-term, and if this trend continues, more people might look to Australia for educational opportunities or career growth.
However, it’s important to note that Australia has introduced tighter student visa rules in the past year, which could have an impact. While this may lead to an increase in student applications as people look for alternative study destinations, the stricter requirements could also mean a higher rate of declines in student visa applications. Migration professionals will need to stay on top of these changes to help clients navigate the complexities of the application process and manage expectations.
This shift could result in a rise in visa applications for students and skilled workers, meaning migration practitioners might see a growing demand for education-related visas or employer-sponsored programs, as people seek opportunities in Australia as an alternative to the U.S.
Final thoughts
The election of a new Trump administration could have several effects on migration to Australia. As the U.S. adjusts its immigration policies, some people may look to Australia as an alternative destination for work, education, or refuge. While Australia’s economy and policies may be influenced by changes in global trade and security, the country could see an uptick in migration from people seeking a new opportunity.
Of course, much depends on how the new administration in the U.S. chooses to move forward, but Australia could become an even more attractive destination for those looking for a fresh start. Whether through economic shifts, political alliances, or changes in migration patterns, the impact of the U.S. election is something that will affect countries around the world—Australia included.