The article discusses the struggles faced by Chinese immigrants in Flushing, New York, as they try to find jobs and make a living in the United States. Contrary to claims made by former President Donald Trump and other Republicans about Chinese immigrants forming a military force in the country, the immigrants interviewed in the article stated that they came to the U.S. to escape poverty and financial losses from China’s strict lockdown during the pandemic. Many of them continue to struggle to get by in the U.S. and their lives are not as they had imagined.
Since late 2022, there has been a significant increase in the number of Chinese migrants arriving in the U.S. In 2023, U.S. authorities arrested over 37,000 Chinese nationals at the U.S.-Mexico border, more than ten times the previous year’s number. Despite this surge in Chinese border crossings, there is no evidence that these immigrants are trying to build a military force or training network. Most of the immigrants are single adults, and the journey to the U.S. is arduous and dangerous, often costing more than $10,000 per person.
The immigrants interviewed in Flushing came to the U.S. in search of better financial opportunities and to escape the repressive society in China. Many of them have left their families behind and embarked on a perilous journey through Latin America to reach the U.S. border. They hope to find work in cities with established Chinese communities, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. The dangerous nature of the journey was emphasized by one immigrant who stated that people die on the way and it is not suitable for women or anyone.
Asian advocacy organizations are concerned about the inflammatory rhetoric used by Trump and other politicians, which could lead to further harassment and violence towards the Asian community. The spike in hate incidents against Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic has already heightened fears within Asian American communities. It is feared that such rhetoric could fuel more hate against Chinese immigrants and other Asian Americans in the country. There is a sense of unease and fear among Asian Americans, with some still feeling uncomfortable about taking public transportation.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties faced by Chinese immigrants in the U.S., they remain determined to build a better life for themselves and their families. Many immigrants in Flushing spoke about their aspirations for a brighter future and their hopes of finding work and stability in America. They emphasized that they came to the U.S. to escape hardship and poverty in China, not to engage in any militant activities. The immigrant experience in America is a complex and varied one, shaped by individual stories of struggle, resilience, and hope for a better life in a new land.
