CBP: More Chinese migrants now crossing San Diego border than Mexicans
February 26, 2024
The number of Chinese migrants crossing the San Diego border into the U.S. have surpassed the number of Mexican nationals in recent months, according to new data released by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Surpassing Mexicans: The CBP data reveals that 21,000 Chinese nationals have been encountered at the southern border near San Diego since the current fiscal year began in October. This number — more than the recorded 18,700 encounters with Mexican nationals — makes Chinese people the second-largest nationality after Colombians at 28,000.
The next largest groups of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border are from Brazil (8,700) and Ecuador (7,700), respectively. Additionally, individuals from countries such as Turkey, Guinea, India, Guatemala, and Peru further emphasize the increasing global diversity of migration in this area. In total, over 140,000 illegal immigrants have been encountered in this sector since October.
Substantial surge: The number of Chinese individuals attempting to cross the border into the U.S. has been rising since fiscal year 2021, reaching over 24,000 in fiscal year 2023. According to the U.S. Border Patrol Chief, there has already been a substantial surge of more than 500% in the number of Chinese migrants detained at the San Diego border as compared to the same period last year.
Reasons for migration: Some of the stated reasons many migrants say they are leaving China because of include a lack of economic opportunities, worsening political climate and a desire for greater religious and cultural freedom. Some nationals are also escaping harassment and persecution by Chinese authorities. Chinese migration increased in 2018 after President Xi Jinping removed the nation’s presidential term limit. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, China has also struggled to restore its economy, and its youth unemployment rate remains high.
After crossing the border, the migrants surrender to Border Patrol, are processed and often released within 72 hours. Many of them seek asylum soon after.
National security concerns: While Chinese nationals have historically found success with asylum claims in the U.S., the trend has raised national security concerns among officials who fear that some asylum seekers may have hidden or illicit motives. Chief Patrol Agent Anthony Good, from the Border Patrol’s El Paso Sector, expressed challenges in understanding the motivations of individuals from other continents during a private Homeland Security Committee hearing in September. He emphasized the potential for hidden information, agendas, ideologies or reasons behind their migration, such as espionage for China’s People’s Liberation Army and the Chinese Communist Party, that could be overlooked.
Brandon Judd, president of the National Border Patrol Council, also highlighted the prospect that the majority of Chinese border-crossers are single, adult males of military age, emphasizing the heightened risk given China’s geopolitical status.
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