Chinese migrants warm themselves under a cold rain after crossing the US-Mexico border, in Campo, California.
Chinese immigrants constitute the third-largest immigrant group in the US, with unauthorized immigration from China to the US increasing significantly in the past two years. Encounters between unauthorized Chinese nationals and US Customs and Border Protection at the US-Mexico border surged from roughly 2,200 in 2022 to 38,200 in 2024, while encounters at the US-Canada border almost doubled from 6,700 to 12,400.
The surge in Chinese migrants has been fueled by escalating socioeconomic issues within China, compounded by prolonged waiting times for green cards and heightened scrutiny for work, student, and other long-term US visas for Chinese citizens. The absence of economic prospects and financial setbacks due to China's stringent zero-COVID policies prompted many Chinese migrants to seek opportunities elsewhere. Additionally, suppression of free speech and religious freedom have also contributed to emigration.
Social media platforms have played a significant role in this phenomenon, with video tutorials providing step-by-step guides on how to navigate the complexities of the US-Mexico border. These videos, often depicting successful border crossings, paint an alluring if misleading picture of life in the US.
This image, both otherworldly and intimate, depicts the complex realities of migration at the border, beyond statistics and media sensationalism. It highlights the desperation of those seeking a better life, while exposing the harsh realities for individuals, whose stories are often obscured by political rhetoric.
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