Rising Chinese Migrant Influx to US Border Amid Economic Crisis

Chinese migrants are increasingly seeking asylum at the US-Mexico border, with a major influx of Chinese nationals crossing the perilous Darién Gap jungle route. Many Chinese asylum-seekers are fleeing an oppressive political climate and bleak economic prospects in China. The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted emigration, but with China's struggling economy and high youth unemployment, emigration has resumed. Chinese migrants are using social media and online platforms to navigate the journey, which can cost thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. The US-Mexico border arrests of Chinese migrants have surged, with the majority being single adults. Catholic Charities of San Diego provides temporary shelters for migrants, including a significant number of Chinese nationals.