Customs and Border Protection has reported a sizable increase in the number of Chinese nationals illegally crossing the border in the current fiscal year, with a total of 27,583 encounters recorded so far compared to just 342 in FY 2021. This marks a staggering 7,965% increase in Chinese illegal crossings. The majority of these encounters, around 85%, involved single adults, with more than 90% of the crossings occurring in the San Diego sector. Additionally, there have been over 1,200 encounters in the first eight days of May alone, averaging more than 150 per day. Concerns have been raised by Republicans and border officials regarding potential espionage and drug smuggling, particularly fentanyl.
Republicans have scheduled a hearing titled “Security Risk: The unprecedented surge in Chinese illegal immigration” to address the issue of Chinese nationals crossing the border. Democrats have criticized the hearing, dismissing it as another instance of Republican fearmongering and invasion rhetoric. Democrats highlighted the economic and political conditions in China as contributing factors to the increase in Chinese migration, and called for bipartisan legislation and additional funding for border security to address the issue. Republicans on the committee expressed disappointment over the dismissive response from Democrats, emphasizing the national security threat posed by the unprecedented surge in Chinese illegal immigration.
Despite the surge in Chinese illegal immigration, overall migrant encounters at the southern border decreased slightly in April, with 179,725 encounters reported compared to 211,992 in April 2023. This is a slight decline from the previous month, which saw 189,357 encounters. This indicates a broader trend of shifting migration patterns globally, with changes to Chinese migration reflecting deteriorating economic and political conditions in China. Republicans emphasized the need for bipartisan action and additional funding for border security to combat the influx of Chinese nationals crossing the border without proper vetting or oversight.
Following the significant increase in Chinese illegal crossings, concerns have been raised about potential espionage and drug smuggling activities. The unprecedented surge in Chinese migration has prompted Republicans to schedule a hearing on the matter, titled “Security Risk.” Democrats have criticized the hearing as another instance of Republican fearmongering and invasion rhetoric, highlighting the need for bipartisan legislation and additional funding for border security to address the issue. The dismissive response from Democrats has been met with disappointment from Republicans, who stress the national security threat posed by the influx of Chinese nationals crossing the border.
The surge in Chinese illegal immigration has raised concerns among Republicans and border officials regarding potential espionage and drug smuggling activities, particularly the trafficking of fentanyl. Republicans have organized a hearing to address the issue, while Democrats have criticized the hearing as fearmongering and invasion rhetoric. Despite the overall decrease in migrant encounters at the southern border in April, the increase in Chinese illegal crossings underscores the need for bipartisan action and additional funding for border security to address the national security threat posed by the surge in Chinese migration.
