FILE – Chinese migrants wait to be processed after crossing the border with Mexico, May 8, 2024, near Jacumba Hot Springs, Calif.
Guo said that he has heard about some Chinese who were intercepted while crossing Mexico.
“U.S. immigration officers cooperate with the Mexican government and go deep into central Mexico to intercept immigrants,” he said.
Once Chinese migrants are intercepted, they are sent to southern Mexico, he said.
If they want to continue “walking the line,” they must start again from a place farther away from the U.S., which will cost them more money and time.
Challenges aside, Wang and Guo say there are still ways to make it to the border.
Wang says the desire of people to leave China is still strong and that some are exploring new routes.
“You can fly to Cuba, and you can also fly to Bolivia,” Wang said.
In May, the Cuban government began allowing 90-day visa-free entry for Chinese citizens. Bolivia allows Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports to receive tourist visas upon arrival. Those with a transit visa can stay for 15 days or on a tourist visa for 30 days.
The straight-line distance from Cuba to the southernmost tip of Florida is about 150 km. The narrow waterway has been a smuggling route for decades. And some Chinese have already tried, despite the risks.
In October 2023, authorities in Florida say, 11 male and six female Chinese citizens were arrested after illegally entering Key Largo, Florida, from Cuba.
Li Xiaosan, a Chinese dissident, arrived in the U.S. in February 2023 by “walking the line.” He says he feels fortunate to be able to start a new life and sad for others who want to leave China now. Since arriving in the U.S., Li opened a translation company in New York and has passed his preliminary hearing for his political asylum application. He also obtained a work permit.
He says that once Ecuador’s new policy takes effect on July 1, even if Chinese people use other routes, the chances of successfully reaching the U.S. and staying will be significantly reduced.
“The door is closed,” Li said, adding that the question now is: “How many people can squeeze in through the cracks?”
Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report.
Source link : https://www.voanews.com/amp/ecuador-ends-visa-free-entry-for-chinese-nationals/7671139.html
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Publish date : 2024-06-25 20:50:04
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