The United States has deported 116 Chinese migrants in what the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described as the first "large charter flight" to China in five years. This action marks a significant development in the US's efforts to manage immigration and reflects ongoing political debates over the issue, especially with the upcoming presidential election.
"We will continue to enforce our immigration laws and remove individuals without a legal basis to remain in the United States," stated Alejandro Mayorkas, Homeland Security Secretary. The flight, which took place over the weekend, is part of broader efforts by the US to curb illegal immigration and address the complex issue of Chinese migrants entering the country, often through the southern border.
The DHS has been working closely with Chinese authorities to facilitate the return of Chinese nationals. Although specifics about the duration of the migrants' stay in the US were not disclosed, the department confirmed plans for future removal flights, though no specific timeline was provided. The cooperation between the US and China on these deportations follows a recent surge in illegal crossings by Chinese nationals, with over 37,000 Chinese migrants apprehended at the US-Mexico border in 2023-ten times the number from the previous year.
This surge in Chinese migration has become a focal point in political debates, with Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, raising suspicions about the motivations behind this migration. Asian advocacy groups, meanwhile, express concerns that such rhetoric may lead to increased harassment of Asian communities. Migrants themselves often cite escaping poverty and repression as reasons for their journey.
The resumption of cooperation on migration issues between the US and China has been a significant step forward. In May, China's US embassy reiterated the country's stance against illegal immigration, emphasizing its crackdown on smuggling organizations. Earlier this year, a smaller charter flight repatriated an undisclosed number of Chinese deportees to Shenyang, China, marking the beginning of renewed deportation efforts.
This weekend's large deportation flight underscores the US's intensified focus on addressing illegal migration routes. For instance, the US recently announced it would cover the costs of repatriating migrants who enter Panama illegally, under a new agreement with Panama's president. Additionally, Ecuador reinstated visa requirements for Chinese nationals on July 1, responding to a rise in irregular migration.
The Department of Homeland Security's statement on the deportation flight also highlights the changing dynamics of illegal migration at the US southern border. Historically, the majority of migrants were from Mexico and Central America. However, recent years have seen a dramatic increase in migrants from diverse nationalities, including China and India, facilitated by extensive smuggling networks.
Chinese smuggling operations, known as "snakeheads," have evolved significantly, leveraging the internet and social media platforms such as TikTok, WhatsApp, and WeChat to attract new clients. In a report by NBC News, a Chinese smuggler on WeChat claimed to have successfully transported over 100 individuals to the US in the past year, showcasing the sophistication and scale of these operations.
Homeland Security has welcomed Ecuador's recent policy change requiring Chinese visitors to obtain visas, viewing it as a critical move to curb smuggling routes. Ecuador had been a preferred entry point for Chinese migrants due to its previously lax visa policies, which facilitated their onward journey to the US.
