Chinese Netizens Cheer Trump's Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants From China, Calling for Tougher Punishments
Chinese Online Communities Applaud Trump's Plan to Deport Chinese Illegal Immigrants
In a surprising twist, Chinese online communities have rallied in support of Donald Trump's recent declaration to deport Chinese illegal immigrants. Trump's tough stance has sparked intense reactions across social media platforms in China, where his actions are being met with unexpected approval. Many users on popular apps like Zhihu, Douyin, and Kuaishou are praising Trump's decision, which has turned into a trending discussion in the Chinese-speaking internet sphere. This article delves into the motivations behind this rising support, the context of Chinese illegal immigration to the U.S., and the broader consequences of Trump's deportation policies.
Rising Support for Trump Among Chinese Netizens
In a surprising trend, support for Donald Trump's immigration policies is growing in China's online forums. On platforms like Zhihu (China’s equivalent of Quora), Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok), and Kuaishou, netizens have been actively cheering Trump's strong stance on deporting Chinese illegal immigrants. Many posts and comments have expressed that these deportations are justified and have even called for harsher treatment for those who attempt to enter the U.S. illegally.
On a widely followed Zhihu thread, users suggested that the U.S. government should send these immigrants back to Ecuador, where they often transit, if they cannot verify their origins. Others recommended that, if confirmed as Chinese citizens, these individuals should be returned to China and made to serve time in prison camps. Some comments have taken a more extreme tone, with users even suggesting that illegal immigrants be sold for organ harvesting if no country accepts them. The sentiments reflect a strong sense of disdain for those perceived as tarnishing China’s international reputation.
The Scale of Chinese Illegal Immigration
Estimates suggest that there are approximately 11 million undocumented people living in the United States, with a steadily increasing number of Chinese nationals among them. In fact, the number of undocumented Chinese immigrants crossing into the U.S. grew significantly from 27,000 in 2022 to more than 78,000 in 2024. This spike in illegal crossings, combined with Trump's proposed deportation measures, has the potential to impact millions of families across the globe.
The routes taken by these migrants are fraught with challenges and risks. The illegal immigration industry has evolved into a complex and profitable enterprise, involving multiple players, including organized human smuggling rings. Migrants pay substantial fees for transportation, forged documents, and logistics, and they often pass through several transit countries, enduring treacherous journeys. Smugglers take advantage of these individuals, and many face harsh conditions, including forced labor and human trafficking, along the way.
A notable tactic used by Chinese immigrants is to discard their passports upon crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, making it nearly impossible to trace their origins. This is a deliberate move to exploit loopholes and obscure identification, which makes deportation proceedings even more challenging for authorities.
Social Media's Role in Shaping Perception
Popular short video platforms like Douyin and Kuaishou have become arenas where the disdain for illegal immigrants is clearly visible. Many Chinese netizens have taken to these platforms to express anger at Chinese citizens attempting to enter the U.S. illegally. Comments like "they are a shame for China, and China should not accept them again" illustrate the prevailing sentiment. Users seem concerned that illegal immigrants may harm China's global image, painting them as individuals who are willing to take shortcuts and disregard laws.
Chinese influencers, known as Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), have also played a significant role in shaping perceptions of immigration to the U.S. Figures like "Baozai" have amassed large followings by documenting their journeys to the U.S., often detailing how they navigated the long trek through Latin America. Another prominent example involves a family of three, who chronicled their journey from China to the U.S., showcasing both the struggles they encountered during their migration and the challenges of adapting to American life.
These stories, often framed as daring adventures, have inspired others to make similar attempts despite the significant dangers involved. While such content provides an alluring image of success in America, it also highlights the harsh realities of the journey—a mix of dreams, resilience, and the pitfalls of illegal migration.
A Divisive Issue in Both China and the U.S.
Trump's stance on illegal immigration has always been controversial in the United States, but the support he's receiving from Chinese online communities reveals a complex dynamic. For many in China, the harsh measures resonate with their own nationalistic views and a desire to see illegal immigrants punished for what is viewed as disgraceful behavior. This public reaction also indicates a broader tension within China’s population—a clear desire to distance themselves from those attempting to seek a better life through illegal means.
However, this narrative is not without consequences. Trump’s proposed actions could impact nearly 20 million families, both directly and indirectly, if enforced. Many of these immigrants made significant sacrifices to undertake dangerous journeys, believing they would find new opportunities in the United States. The ensuing deportation, should Trump's plan move forward, represents a reversal of fortunes for these individuals—with potentially dire outcomes.
Conclusion
The recent surge of support for Donald Trump among Chinese online communities is a unique and unexpected phenomenon. It highlights an intricate web of nationalism, shame, and a desire for law and order, all coming together to support the deportation of Chinese illegal immigrants. From heated discussions on Zhihu to viral videos on Douyin, Chinese netizens have made their voices heard, endorsing Trump’s tough approach. The discourse surrounding this issue sheds light on the complex emotions involved in illegal immigration—both in the U.S. and in the countries from which these migrants come. As these events continue to unfold, the international community will be watching closely to see what comes next for those who risked everything to make it to the United States.