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A growing number of Chinese immigrants are crossing into the U.S. without papers, often taking harrowing journeys through several countries and modes of transport and using social media as their guide.
“I think what we’re seeing now are people who are more middle class who just feel that the opportunities are diminishing and that the political situation has just become a lot riskier,” said Ian Johnson, a senior fellow with the Council on Foreign Relations. “And so they are finding any method by hook or by crook to get out of China.”
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported that, in the past five months, at least 4,300 Chinese undocumented migrants have been apprehended crossing the southern border, which amounts to more than double the number for all of the previous year.
One immigrant spoke anonymously to MSNBC about his experience, saying he feared staying in China after speaking out against government corruption. Fearing further retribution after being jailed twice, he fled, following instructions left by those before him on Chinese social networking apps. Detailed guides, videos and maps helped him make the journey largely on his own.
“There’s a lot of information, trust me,” he said. “Step by step.”
www.nbcnews.com
“I think what we’re seeing now are people who are more middle class who just feel that the opportunities are diminishing and that the political situation has just become a lot riskier,” said Ian Johnson, a senior fellow with the Council on Foreign Relations. “And so they are finding any method by hook or by crook to get out of China.”
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported that, in the past five months, at least 4,300 Chinese undocumented migrants have been apprehended crossing the southern border, which amounts to more than double the number for all of the previous year.
One immigrant spoke anonymously to MSNBC about his experience, saying he feared staying in China after speaking out against government corruption. Fearing further retribution after being jailed twice, he fled, following instructions left by those before him on Chinese social networking apps. Detailed guides, videos and maps helped him make the journey largely on his own.
“There’s a lot of information, trust me,” he said. “Step by step.”
Chinese migrants make dangerous journey to U.S. following instructions from social media
Chinese migrants, worried about economic and government oppression, are making dangerous journeys to the U.S. in larger numbers than before. Two shared their stories with MSNBC.
www.nbcnews.com
