Rise in Middle-Class Chinese Migrants Seeking Asylum at US Border

Over 4,000 Chinese nationals apprehended in October 2023, many fleeing political oppression and human trafficking.

Chinese migrants, many of whom are middle to upper-middle class, are increasingly seeking asylum at the US-Mexico border, with over 4,000 apprehended by Border Patrol in October 2023.
These migrants often arrive well-dressed and with quality luggage, having paid smugglers up to $35,000 to cross the border.
Many of these migrants are political dissidents fleeing oppression from the Chinese government, and some are victims of human trafficking and forced labor.
Chinese migrants are the fourth most common nationality of migrants entering the US, after Venezuelans, Ecuadorians, and Haitians.
San Diego County officials are voting on whether to add an additional $3 million budget toward services to help with the increasing migrant crisis.