US Deports 116 Chinese Migrants

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Facts

  • The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) deported 116 Chinese nationals over the weekend who had entered the US illegally through the southern border. While China has typically rejected repatriated nationals, Beijing accepted this group.1
  • The DHS said this was the largest deportation flight it had conducted since 2018, adding that it was part of an effort to combat 'irregular migration and to disrupt illicit human smuggling.' It did not state further details about the 116 individuals.2
  • The DHS said it would continue working with China's National Immigration Administration, as the number of illegal Chinese migrants apprehended at the US border soared to 16,270 in the first five months of 2024. The total since China dropped its COVID policies in 2022 is over 50K.3
  • Among the Chinese migrants who entered between January and May, roughly 10,171 traveled across the Darien Gap, which connects South and Central America. Many of them are poor with limited skills, making it difficult for them to obtain a visa.4
  • Ecuador, which was previously one of only a few countries to accept visa-free travel to Chinese migrants, halted its policy this month. A Chinese spokesman said Beijing is working with 'relevant national authorities' to address the issue.4
  • According to Panamanian authorities, Chinese migrants last year became the fourth-largest group to illegally cross into the US, behind Venezuelans, Ecuadoreans, and Haitians.5

Sources: 1NBC, 2FOX News, 3South China Morning Post, 4Wsj and 5New York Times.

Narratives

  • Democratic narrative, as provided by U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This deportation is not only part of the Biden administration's effort to deter unlawful immigration but a prime example of the cooperative nature through which the White House works with its foreign counterparts. Between deportations and border closures, illegal entries have dropped by 40% since June 4, which helps both the US and the countries from which these migrants are coming. The US president is spearheading this global initiative.
  • Republican narrative, as provided by CIS.org. Deporting 116 Chinese illegals is a mere drop in the bucket given there are 50K, mostly single adult men, inside the US right now. After Trump kept monthly illegal Chinese migrant crossings in the single digits, Biden took office and purposely allowed thousands to enter. Releasing unvetted Chinese nationals into the US is one of the clearest threats to national security, but Biden is slow to take action.

Predictions