The United States has deported a group of Chinese nationals who attempted to enter the country illegally, marking the first large charter flight for such deportations since 2018. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made this announcement on July 2, highlighting ongoing efforts between the U.S. and China to curb illegal migration and combat human smuggling.
The DHS did not specify the number of individuals on the flight. However, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized that the U.S. will continue to enforce immigration laws and remove individuals who lack legal grounds to remain in the country. Mayorkas warned against believing the false promises of smugglers.
The challenge of securing U.S. visas combined with the economic impact of China’s COVID lockdowns has led to a significant rise in Chinese nationals attempting to enter the U.S. through the U.S.-Mexico border. According to U.S. government data, nearly 56,000 Chinese migrants have been encountered at both the Southwest border with Mexico and the northern border with Canada in the 2024 fiscal year up to May. This number exceeds the 52,700 crossings recorded in the entire 2023 fiscal year.
President Joe Biden, who is seeking re-election on November 5, has faced criticism from Republican rival Donald Trump for not effectively managing illegal immigration. Biden has aimed to balance increased border security with a more humane approach towards immigrants in the U.S. illegally.
The deportation underscores the complexities of U.S. immigration policy amidst rising global migration pressures. The DHS’s actions reflect a commitment to enforcing immigration laws while also addressing the humanitarian aspects of migration.