cover of episode Smugglers Tell Migrants to Rush to U.S. Before Trump Takes Office

Smugglers Tell Migrants to Rush to U.S. Before Trump Takes Office

2024/11/15
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WSJ What’s News

Key Insights

Why are pharmaceutical companies concerned about Robert F. Kennedy Jr. potentially leading HHS?

Kennedy has expressed skepticism about vaccines and drug usage, and his potential oversight of agencies like CDC, NIH, and FDA raises concerns. He also advocates for banning pharma direct-to-consumer advertising and leveling drug costs, which worries the industry.

Which types of pharmaceutical companies are most affected by Kennedy's potential HHS leadership?

Vaccine makers, obesity, and diabetes companies are particularly affected. Kennedy has questioned vaccine safety and criticized COVID-19 vaccines, and he is critical of obesity and diabetes drugs like Monjaro and Ozempic.

Why are smugglers urging migrants to rush to the U.S. border before Trump takes office?

Smugglers are exploiting fears that Trump will implement a full border shutdown, making it impossible for migrants to enter the U.S. legally. They use social media and chat groups to share tips and encourage a pre-inauguration rush.

What concerns do authorities have about a potential migration surge at the U.S.-Mexico border?

Authorities in Guatemala and Mexico are concerned about a surge, especially given the more sophisticated immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. They aim to prevent large-scale events that attract media attention and manage border security effectively.

How might Trump's promised mass deportations affect migrants' decisions?

Migrants fear that if legal pathways like CBP-1 appointments are dismantled, they will have little chance of entering the U.S. legally and may be immediately expelled back to Mexico, similar to the Title 42 policy during the pandemic.

Chapters

Smugglers in Latin America are urging migrants to rush to the U.S. border before Trump's inauguration, fearing a potential border shutdown and mass deportations.
  • Smugglers are using social media and WhatsApp to encourage migrants to reach the U.S. before Trump takes office.
  • Migrants are concerned about potential legal pathways being dismantled, leading to immediate expulsions.
  • There is no concrete evidence of a migration surge yet, but authorities in Guatemala are concerned.

Shownotes Transcript

P.M. Edition for Nov. 15. WSJ Latin America deputy editor Santiago Pérez) explains how smuggler warnings about President-elect Donald Trump could trigger a migration surge) at the U.S. border. And U.S. stocks fall after a Federal Reserve official indicates a December interest rate cut wasn’t a “done deal.”) Plus, Heard on the Street columnist David Wainer) on how Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s health and human services secretary nomination is raising alarms among U.S. and European pharmaceutical companies). Tracie Hunte hosts.

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