Stay or go? Under Trump, dreams fade for Chinese who trekked to US

August 5, 2025

Chinese migrants like Pan, James, and Kevin have journeyed thousands of miles from China to the United States seeking freedom and opportunity, often fleeing government oppression and land seizures. They endure isolation, language barriers, and limited employment options while waiting for asylum claims to be processed in the American immigration system. Despite finding some measure of freedom in America, these migrants now face increasing uncertainty due to Trump's return to office, escalating ICE raids, and deteriorating US-China relations.

Who is affected

Chinese migrants who have fled China and traveled through Latin America to reach the United States
Specifically individuals like Pan (a man in his 50s from Jiangxi province), James (a man in his 30s from western China), and Kevin (a man in his 30s from Fujian province)
Tens of thousands of Chinese nationals known as "zou xian ke" or "those who walked the line"
The families of these migrants who remain in China
Chinese migrants with Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) who are awaiting asylum decisions

What action is being taken

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is conducting raids across southern California as part of Trump's deportation initiative
Chinese migrants are participating in protests outside the Chinese consulate in Los Angeles
Migrants are working in service jobs (like Chinese restaurants) or gig economy positions (like food delivery) to survive
The Trump administration is implementing what it calls "the biggest deportation operation" in US history
US-China tensions continue to escalate, including ongoing battles over trade tariffs

Why it matters

These migrants represent a new wave of migration driven by authoritarian policies in China and hope for better opportunities in America
The precarious legal status of these migrants leaves them vulnerable to deportation despite having fled oppression
Their experiences highlight the gap between expectations and reality for immigrants seeking the "American dream"
The deteriorating US-China relationship directly impacts how these migrants are perceived and treated in America
According to a CBS News/YouGov poll, 54% of Americans approve of Trump's deportation policy, reflecting public support for measures that threaten these migrants' status

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC