The experiences of Chinese asylum seekers in New York challenge Donald Trump’s assertions about China creating a “little army” of young male migrants in the United States. Video footage from the Associated Press depicts the struggles and aspirations of these individuals as they strive to build new lives in America.
At 7 a.m. on a recent Friday, Wang Gang, a 36-year-old Chinese immigrant, was vying for a day job in New York City’s Flushing neighborhood.
Related posts
This Article Includes
As the potential employer approached the street corner, which was also home to a Chinese bakery and pharmacy, Wang and numerous other men gathered around the car, eagerly anticipating the chance to be selected for various job opportunities. Whether it be construction work, farm labor, or moving tasks, they were all seeking employment that would provide them with a decent wage.
Wang’s luck didn’t change, even after waiting for an additional two hours. It seemed like another day would pass without him finding a job. He had crossed the southern U.S. border illegally in February, hoping for better financial opportunities than what his hometown of Wuhan, China had to offer.
The Chinese immigrants in Flushing face daily challenges that are completely different from the portrayal that former President Donald Trump and other Republicans have attempted to create. Instead of being a unified group of “military-age” men who have come to the United States to form an “army” and threaten America, these immigrants lead ordinary lives and navigate the same struggles as any other immigrant community.
Since the beginning of the year, Trump has made references to Chinese newcomers in the U.S., specifically focusing on “fighting-age” or “military-age” Chinese men. He has even suggested on multiple occasions that they are forming a migrant “army”. This talking point has gained traction in conservative media and is being amplified on various social platforms.
During a campaign rally in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, President Trump expressed his concerns about individuals coming into the country from China. He stated that over the past few months, there has been an influx of around 31,000 to 32,000 individuals, most of whom are of military age and predominantly male. Trump questioned whether their purpose in coming to the United States was to establish a covert army within the country.
The Asian community in the United States is growing increasingly concerned about the exploitative tactics employed by Trump and others, who are capitalizing on a rise in Chinese border crossings and fears of China’s geopolitical influence to further their own political agendas. These actions have raised alarm among Asian advocacy organizations, as they fear that the rhetoric being used could incite even more harassment and violence against Asians. This is particularly worrisome considering the spike in hate incidents that Asians in the U.S. have already endured during the COVID-19 pandemic, which were fueled by xenophobic rhetoric.
Cynthia Choi, co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate and co-executive director of Chinese for Affirmative Action, expressed concern about the impact of Trump’s dehumanizing rhetoric and direct attacks on immigrant communities. She emphasized that such actions will undoubtedly contribute to the rise of hatred not only towards Chinese immigrants but also towards all Asian Americans in the United States. In a statement to The Associated Press, she stated, “In the midst of an already inflamed political climate and election year, we are well aware of the harmful consequences that such rhetoric can have.”
According to Gregg Orton, the national director of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, numerous Asian American communities continue to experience a profound sense of fear. He also mentions that some Asians still feel uneasy when it comes to using public transportation.
He expressed his sobering realization that we may be facing another round of that.
‘THIS TRIP IS DEADLY’
Wang, who made a journey of several weeks from Ecuador to the southern U.S. border, then spent 48 hours in an immigration detention facility before making his way to Flushing, stated that the notion of Chinese migrants constructing a military force “is simply non-existent” among the immigrants he has encountered.
“It’s impossible for them to have walked on foot for over a month,” he stated firmly. “We came here with the sole purpose of making money.”
In Flushing, a vibrant Chinese cultural enclave in Queens, immigrants who spoke to the AP expressed their reasons for coming to the U.S. They shared that they sought to escape poverty and financial hardships caused by China’s strict lockdown measures during the pandemic. Additionally, some sought refuge from a repressive society where they were unable to freely express their thoughts or practice their religion.
Life in the U.S. is not what they had imagined, as many continue to struggle to get by.
Since China’s three-year COVID-19 lockdown began to ease in late 2022, there has been a significant increase in the number of Chinese migrants heading to the United States. In 2023, U.S. authorities apprehended over 37,000 Chinese nationals at the U.S.-Mexico border, which is more than ten times the number from the previous year. In December alone, border officials arrested a record-breaking 5,951 Chinese nationals on the southern border, but this number decreased during the first three months of this year.
The United States and China have recently resumed their cooperation in the deportation of Chinese immigrants residing illegally in the country.
There is no evidence that the tens of thousands of Chinese newcomers who have entered the U.S. illegally have attempted to establish a military force or training network.
According to federal data, the majority of those who have arrived are single adults. Although the data does not provide information on gender, it is evident that there are more men than women on this dangerous journey. The route usually involves taking a flight to South America and then embarking on a challenging trek northward towards the U.S. border.
Chinese immigrants in Flushing have observed that there could be several reasons why men are arriving alone in larger numbers. One reason is the significant expense involved, with costs exceeding $10,000 per person to cover various expenses such as airfare, accommodation, payments to local guides, and bribes to police along their journey. Another factor could be China’s long-standing family planning policy, which has resulted in a gender imbalance skewed towards males.
Arriving in Flushing in late April, five weeks after leaving the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, he bore the marks of his arduous journey. His hair was disheveled, his skin tanned with fine wrinkles, and his cardigan, once white, remained unwashed for weeks. Having traveled through Panama’s treacherous Darien Gap jungle and across Mexico, the remnants of his adventure were evident.
Yin expressed her concerns about the trip, emphasizing its dangerous nature and the unfortunate incidents of people losing their lives. She firmly stated that the trip is not suitable for women or anyone, highlighting the inherent risks involved.
‘CHASING A BETTER LIFE’
Many individuals in China have made the decision to leave the country through investment schemes or talent programs in developed nations. However, for those who do not have the necessary resources, they have instead opted to embark on a journey to Latin America after being informed about this option through social media posts.
Flushing immigrants have expressed that they came to America with the intention of escaping China, not to engage in any fights on behalf of their country.
In late 2021, Chen Wang, a 36-year-old individual from the southeastern Chinese province of Fujian, made the decision to come to the U.S. after facing repercussions for posting critical comments about the ruling party on Twitter. Local police had admonished him for his actions.
“I came to America because I was afraid of being locked up,” Chen explained.
After more than two years, he remains without a job and resides in a makeshift home, a tent nestled in the woods. To create a sense of security and privacy, he crafted a fence using branches from fallen trees. Additionally, he dug a ditch to facilitate hand-washing his clothes and personal hygiene.
LONG HISTORY OF ASIAN STEREOTYPES
U.S. intelligence leaders are deeply concerned about the threat posed by China’s authoritarian government in terms of espionage, military capabilities, and more. While there have been instances of crimes committed by Chinese immigrants, such as the arrest of a Chinese national for breaching a military base in California in March, there is no evidence to support the claim that migrants from China are coming to the U.S. with the intention to fight Americans.
During an April town hall meeting hosted by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell referred to the Chinese nationals as “economic migrants.”
China has expressed strong opposition to illegal immigration and has taken action to prevent it. Chinese authorities have even arrested individuals who have attempted to leave the country illegally. The Chinese government has also implemented measures to censor social media posts that provide guidance and advice on how to enter the United States illegally. Instead, what can be found on social media platforms are posts that caution individuals about the risks and dangers involved in attempting to migrate illegally, as well as highlighting the issue of racial discrimination in the U.S.
According to the Chinese foreign ministry, President Trump’s assertions about a Chinese migrant army are completely inaccurate. The Department of Homeland Security did not provide any comments on the matter.
In an emailed statement, Steven Cheung, the communications director for the Trump campaign, expressed his concern regarding military-age Chinese men crossing into the United States. He emphasized that this issue should be a matter of concern for all Americans.
“These individuals have not undergone any vetting or screening, leaving us clueless about their affiliations or intentions,” Cheung cautioned. “This establishes a perilous precedent, as it opens the door for malicious actors and potentially nefarious individuals to exploit Joe Biden’s porous border, allowing an unchecked influx of military-aged men into the United States.”
Many other conservatives have also shared the army-building narrative.
“They are primarily single, fighting-age males, and it’s not just a coincidence,” stated Republican Rep. Mike Garcia of California during a recent interview with Fox Business. He agreed with host Maria Bartiromo’s suggestion that these immigrants could potentially be used as “saboteurs” if Chinese President Xi Jinping were to give such a directive.”
Sapna Cheryan, a psychology professor at the University of Washington, highlights that the unfounded claims regarding Chinese migrants tap into deep-rooted stereotypes that have long perpetuated the notion that Asian individuals are not a part of this country. These harmful ideas have unfortunately contributed to acts of violence against Asian Americans.
According to her, if such rhetoric resurfaces, it is likely that people will feel empowered and motivated to commit these atrocious acts.
Li Kai, also known as Khaled, is a 44-year-old Muslim from Tangshan in the northern Hebei province, a city close to Beijing. He expresses concerns over Trump’s statements regarding illegal immigration and Muslims. However, he acknowledges that he has no other option but to make his new life in the U.S. work.
He was among the lucky few who embarked on the journey with his family. In their temporary residence in Flushing, he shares a bunk bed and sofa with his wife and two sons, proudly displaying an American flag on the wall.
Li explained that they left China in the previous year after being involved in a gathering regarding the future of a local mosque. The gathering was disrupted by riot police, and Li became concerned about his own safety and potential arrest. He decided to seek refuge in the United States due to its reputation as a free society. Additionally, he wanted his children to benefit from the religious freedom in the U.S, as they have been learning to recite from the Quran.
The migrants he met during his journey from China to the U.S. all had one common goal: to enhance their life prospects. He deeply appreciates the opportunity they have been given. While his sons are in school, he dedicates his time to studying for a commercial driver’s license. His ultimate aspiration is to secure employment and contribute to society by paying taxes.
He expressed his desire for a stable life in this new place now that his family has joined him. He mentioned his intention to repay the opportunities he has been given.
