Chinese Illegal Immigration Surges at U.S. Southern Border Raises National Security Concerns

Thousands of Chinese nationals have been illegally entering the United States through the southern border, particularly in the San Diego sector, raising serious national security concerns. The encounters with Chinese nationals have prompted worries among border authorities and lawmakers due to potential security risks. Despite encountering over 24,000 Chinese nationals, only 288 of them were deported during the 2023 fiscal year. This low number of removals highlights the challenges associated with deporting Chinese citizens, as China has been uncooperative in accepting its citizens back.

Chinese Migration

The surge in Chinese migration at the southern border has been unprecedented, with more than 21,000 Chinese citizens apprehended in the Border Patrol's San Diego Sector during the 2024 fiscal year, representing a substantial increase compared to previous years. Lawmakers and border authorities have expressed concerns over the influx of Chinese migrants, citing China's espionage efforts and adversarial stance toward the U.S. The difficulty in deporting Chinese nationals is exacerbated by China's refusal to accept its citizens back, creating similar challenges faced with Venezuelan deportations. Both China and Venezuela have exhibited reluctance to cooperate in the repatriation of their citizens from the U.S., further complicating deportation efforts.

CBP data reveals that Chinese nationals are the second-largest nationality encountered at the San Diego border, following Colombia. The surge in Chinese migration at the U.S. southern border has raised significant national security concerns, with the difficulties in deporting Chinese nationals adding to the complexity of the situation. The challenges in cooperation with origin countries and the unprecedented increase in Chinese migration call for heightened attention and strategic responses to address potential security risks.