In July, under the influence of the tightening of new policies at the southern border by the federal government, the number of people crossing the US-Mexico border dropped to the lowest level since 2020, with 57,000 crossings, a significant decrease from 83,000 in June and 118,000 in May. However, will this put a stop to Chinese migrants from attempting to cross?
Dr. Zheng Cunzhu from a US global law firm recently told Epoch Times that although Chinese migrants face many difficulties, this does not deter them from seeking opportunities abroad, it only increases the cost and risk. The reasons that drive Chinese migrants to cross the border have not been resolved, so they will continue to strive to enter the United States.
For example, some may need to apply for a visa in Ecuador, which is relatively easy to obtain in China. Additionally, some individuals are now opting to spend more on visas for countries in Central and South America, like Panama, or directly apply for a Mexican visa.
Obtaining a Mexican visa for Chinese nationals is relatively difficult and requires much higher costs. Some have spent tens of thousands of dollars just to obtain a Mexican visa. One Chinese immigrant who arrived in Los Angeles mentioned that she spent nearly 200,000 RMB to obtain a Mexican visa by making multiple trips to Japan.
Some Chinese migrants choose to take indirect routes through Cuba or other South American countries, significantly increasing the difficulty and risk of crossing, especially if passing through Cuba by sea, where migrants face life-threatening dangers.
Why are Chinese migrants willing to go to great lengths to reach the United States? Zheng Cunzhu explains that the fundamental reasons have not disappeared. Some migrate for their children’s education, others due to a lack of economic opportunities in mainland China, to escape persecution, or because the middle class feels trapped, among other reasons.
According to feedback from many Chinese migrants who have arrived in Los Angeles, the economic situation in China is becoming increasingly severe. Even in bustling cities like Shanghai, where the once-busy Meilong Town Square, home to the US Consulate, now sees businesses closing down, leaving only the consulate. In smaller cities, factory closures are common, leading many business owners to migrate to the US.
Although Ecuador announced the suspension of visa-free entry for Chinese nationals starting from July 1st, Zheng Cunzhu believes that simply canceling visa-free policies of a single country will not prevent Chinese migrants from attempting to cross.
After President Biden established the “Remain in Mexico” policy on June 5th to halt border crossings, migrants continue to attempt crossing the border, facing unfavorable conditions unless certain exceptions apply, such as traveling with minor children, facing threats from gangs, or being extorted, all of which could allow them to apply for asylum by explaining their situation in court.
According to statistics from the US Customs and Border Protection (ICE), over 24,000 Chinese nationals were intercepted crossing the southern border last year, surpassing the total of the past decade.
In March and early July of this year, two groups of Chinese nationals were deported back to China. The July group, consisting of 116 individuals, is reportedly the largest number of illegal Chinese immigrants deported since 2018.
A Chinese migrant who arrived in Southern California last year, Yang Zhi, revealed that among those deported, one individual, a border-crosser, was temporarily detained in other prisons due to failing a “credible fear interview.” Despite being released with an electronic ankle monitor restricting movement within California, this person without a work permit struggled to find employment, leading to multiple arrests. Feeling hopeless, they attempted to cross the US-Canada border by cutting off the ankle monitor and were caught once more, eventually being deported back to China, with their passport and travel documents confiscated upon arrival in Shenyang.
Zheng Cunzhu explained that among those deported on the last flight, some were caught at the border and directly issued deportation orders for failing the credible fear interview, others were apprehended due to criminal charges or lack of identity, while some were arrested at immigration checkpoints after failing in court.
While individuals can apply for deferred deportation, it is subject to conditions. Zheng Cunzhu clarified, “If there are procedural flaws in your case, you can reapply for a court hearing, submit for judicial review, and temporarily postpone deportation.”