The US government has sent back 116 Chinese migrants in the first large charter flight in five years, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated that they will continue to enforce immigration laws and remove individuals who do not have a legal basis to remain in the US.
The US is working with China to reduce and deter irregular migration and disrupt illicit human smuggling through expanded law enforcement efforts. The recent flight is part of this collaboration, with plans for more removal flights in the future. This comes as the US has faced challenges in returning Chinese nationals back to China in the past.
The issue of Chinese immigration has become a political debate ahead of the US presidential election. Republicans and former President Donald Trump have raised suspicions about Chinese migrants coming to the US. Asian advocacy organizations are concerned about potential harassment of Asians due to this rhetoric.
Earlier this year, the US and China resumed cooperation on migration issues, with China expressing firm opposition to all forms of illegal immigration. The US has also announced efforts to shut down key routes used by Chinese migrants to reach the western hemisphere.
Additionally, Ecuador recently reinstated visas for Chinese nationals, citing a worrying increase in irregular migration. This move, along with the US covering the costs of repatriating migrants who enter Panama illegally, shows a broader effort to address the challenges posed by Chinese immigration to different parts of the Americas.
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