Nov. 19 (UPI) -- The United States stands at a pivotal crossroads in its foreign policy as it navigates the challenges of maintaining global influence while ensuring the security and prosperity of its citizens. Among the many pressing international issues, supporting the Korean people in their pursuit of a free and unified Korea emerges as a crucial priority. A unified Korea would not only lead to denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula but also bring economic benefits, bolster strategic competition with China, align with core American values, and advance the principles of president-elect Donald Trump's "America First" policy. Furthermore, a unified U.S.-Korea alliance would reinforce the United States' influence in the Asia-Pacific region and ensure the security of its allies.