Calm Down; Accusations Against Chinese Lack Substance

 
   Suddenly, it is the Chinese. In all of 2021, only 450 were encountered at our southern border. But now, an explosion. An astounding 37,000 Chinese migrants were encountered in fiscal 2023. And the figures are only surging higher. Since October when the 2024 fiscal year began, 20,000 more have crossed the line between Mexico and the U.S.
   Eyebrows of concern are raising. Is this safe, considering that China is an enemy to the U.S.? Are these foreign operatives sneaking in? A good chunk of them are of military age. Isn't that a concern? And, in the same news stories about the flood of Chinese migrants, comes an update on fentanyl being seized at the border, 7,000 pounds so far in fiscal 2024.
   Calm down. While it is always good to look for foreign spies who might be coming to America, merely the fact that it is necessary to look doesn't mean they are actually spies or terrorists. 
   Calm down. Maybe start by learning what is causing the explosions. There is no shortage of reasons.
1.) The Chinese economy has collapsed. Unemployment is at peak highs.
2.) The Chinese fear the COVID restrictions in their homeland. They want to escape them.
3.) Trump policies restricting entry have been rolled back.
4.) China has reopened its borders to allow people to leave.
5.) Visas allowing Chinese to come that way have plummeted, so the people are coming via the southern border, instead.
6.) A route, path of entry has been developed. Many fly to Ecuador, since that nation does not require an entry visa. Then they make their way northward to the U.S.
7.) The Chinese version of Tiktok basically provides a tutorial, a how-to, step-by-step guide.
8.) Their odds of being granted asylum when they arrive at the border are much higher than those of migrants from South America. Those from China are granted asylum at a 58 percent rate. Compare that to the 10 percent rate for those from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. We can wonder why that is, but it is, the same.
   So, are these foreign operatives? Are they terrorists? It's an easy charge that chills their entry. But are they? Are they terrorists? Lacking figures of how many have been found on terrorist lists, it is a little bit of jumping to conclusions to suggest they are either spies or terrorists. If China is planting terrorists and spies in the U.S., wouldn't it send them in the more traditional way, coming legally on visas? An arduous journey from Ecuador all the way north seems the hard way of going about it. 
   What about them being of military age? Ages 16-24 is perhaps the highest demographic bracket for unemployment in China, so it follows that that age bracket is so highly represented. And what are we implying by noting they are of military age, anyway? Are we expecting they will band together, take up arms when they get here, and be marshaled together as a war machine? I wonder where they will get the tanks and missiles they will need. These are predominantly poor people; many simply cannot afford the tanks and missiles they will need. But I guess China could slip them some money. That's the plan, right?
   Finally, what of the 7,000 pounds of fentanyl that has been confiscated? Well, we need to ask where it was confiscated. Was it found on these immigrants who are turning themselves in at the border, or was it found in trucks and vehicles caught at the entry points? Or was it found on those who are not presenting themselves at the border as these Chinese are, but rather are sneaking in with hopes of not being apprehended? And where is this fentanyl coming from? From Mexican sources, not Chinese? It is a great scare tactic to bring up the fentanyl. All you have to do it just mention it. But is there any reason to tie it to these Chinese immigrants?
   Be fair to these Chinese. Let them come if the accusations against them don't stick -- and right now, those accusations appear to be red herrings.