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USA/ The number of Chinese immigrants increases during 2023

2024-01-03 20:34:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

As geopolitical tensions between Beijing and Washington ran high throughout 2023, Chinese students and immigrants continued to come to the United States, with many crossing the American border more than ever before. But what was the environment like for Chinese living in the United States in 2023?

From shops to Chinese restaurants, Chinese immigrants can feel better in the United States than ever before.

The year 2023 marked the 80th anniversary of the repeal of the law barring Chinese workers from immigrating to the United States.

"We honor those who fought so hard to repeal that law," said Katherine Tai, the US government's trade representative.

Already, American universities are the main destinations for Chinese students as a new wave of migration continues on the American southern border.

Migrants fly to Ecuador and from there use buses, boats and other means to reach the United States border with Mexico.

Xun Zhang and his family undertook a dangerous journey. VOA spoke with him earlier this year. He used a pseudonym for fear of reprisals from the Chinese government.

"The Chinese people know that the Chinese government is very powerful and controls everything."

During 2023, the number of feeds increased significantly with more than 24,000 Chinese, compared to only 2,000 in 2022.

VOA spoke with Ms. Madeline Hsu, professor of immigration and Asian-American studies at the University of Maryland.

"People in China are very desperate and there is a lack of opportunities. The Chinese economy is stagnating while the government exercises control and restricts their lives."

After arriving in the United States, many Chinese immigrants seek political asylum, while Asians are the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group. More than 5 million people of Chinese descent live in the United States. Asian Americans are facing acts of hate.

Voice of America spoke with Ms. Manjusha Kulkarni, one of the founders of the organization "Stop AAPI Hate".

"The most widespread types of hate are harassment, about 88% of those reported to us, mainly verbal harassment."

Controversial restrictions have been put in place in Florida this year barring citizens from China and other countries opposed to the United States from buying property. State universities are also prohibited from accepting money from or partnering with China and other countries of concern to the United States.

While tensions between the United States and China are playing out at local levels, Chinese immigrants are no longer seen as a bridge between the two countries.

"Chinese-American immigrants are facing great pressure, not only in the United States, but also in China. Beijing does not see them as nationalists or devout patriots. Immigrants are finding themselves in a difficult position," says Professor Madeline Hsu.

But the experience has been different for student Shawn Zhan from China. He says the Americans have welcomed him.

“I've made a lot of friends at the faculty and it's a really inclusive environment. Many students are Asian."

Chinese students and immigrants say they want to find work and stay in the United States in hopes of a better future./ VOA