Surge in Chinese Migrants Entering U.S. via Southern Border

More than 24,000 Chinese citizens have been apprehended crossing into the United States from Mexico in the past year, surpassing the number from the previous decade combined. These migrants typically fly to Ecuador, where they don't need a visa, and then pay smugglers to guide them through the dangerous jungle between Colombia and Panama en route to the U.S. Many seek asylum and are often successful in their claims, as China usually refuses to take them back. The surge of Chinese migrants is attributed to frustration with the political environment and restrictions related to the pandemic in China. Flushing, Queens, has become a prime destination for these migrants due to its established Chinese community. The U.S. faces challenges in repatriating Chinese citizens due to China's lack of cooperation, and the trend of Chinese citizens leaving the country poses long-term challenges for China's shrinking population and slowing economy.