The number of Chinese nationals crossing the U.S. border illegally has surged more than 6,300% in recent years, adding to national security concerns that were brought back into focus last week when Chinese migrants were stopped at a Marine Corps base. .
In fiscal year 2024, which began in October, there have been 22,233 encounters with Chinese nationals who entered the country illegally at the border. This means that this year’s total is likely to significantly exceed last year’s total of 24,125.
This number itself was a significant increase compared to the previous two years. According to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data, there were only 342 arrests of Chinese nationals in fiscal year 2021, and 1,987 in fiscal year 2022.
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This week, 182 Chinese nationals were arrested in one day in the San Diego area.
Migrants are seen lining up in Jacumba, California, as border authorities deal with an influx of Chinese migrants at the key border area. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Lawmakers have expressed concern about potential ties between immigrants and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Lawmakers led by Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) said last year that there are “numerous documented cases of Chinese nationals engaging in espionage and stealing military and economic secrets at the direction of the Chinese Communist Party.” .
The Biden administration has pointed to the broader national security threat posed by China. The Department of Homeland Security warned in its latest threat assessment that China is likely to use predatory economic practices, including espionage and market manipulation, against the United States.
Illegal Chinese immigrant arrested after driving into California military base
Last week, an illegal Chinese immigrant was detained in California for entering a Marine Corps base without permission and ignoring orders to leave. A spokesperson for the Marine Corps Training and Education Command told Fox News Digital that the individual attempted to access the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms without valid identification. .
“The individual entered the facility without authorization despite facility security urging him to exit through the Condor gate. Military law enforcement was immediately notified and the individual was taken into custody,” the spokesperson said. Stated.
CBP emphasized that there will be consequences for anyone who enters the United States illegally.
Chinese immigrants cross multiple countries to reach US southern border: ‘I just want to make money’
This photo shows Chinese migrants entering a military base on March 27th. (Customs and Border Security)
“DHS will continue to enforce.” US immigration law“As we expand legal channels, we will also increase enforcement consequences for those who cross the border illegally,” the agency said in a statement last week, adding that “individuals and families without a legal basis to be in the United States will be Subject to deportation pursuant to Chapter 8 authorities, there will be a minimum five-year grace period for re-entry applications, after which re-entry without authorization may result in criminal prosecution.”
It added: “CBP leverages all available resources and partnerships to efficiently vet and process immigrants in accordance with the law.”
But other immigrants from China said they were just trying to make a better life for themselves and their families.
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“My English is not very good. I don’t know anyone in the United States,” one immigrant told Fox last month. “I know that once I get to America, I will have to start all over again. But I want to have a good life in the future and I want my children to have a good education. We are trying to make it take root as soon as possible. “
