The Biden administration is defending a 2009 decision that allows Chinese nationals to enter the US territory of Guam without a visa, citing a “significant public benefit.” However, Republican lawmakers argue that this exemption poses a national security risk, mainly due to the presence of US military bases on the island. They have called for the closure of this “visa loophole,” expressing concerns about infiltration by members of the Chinese Communist Party.
DHS, in response to lawmakers’ inquiries, explains that the policy allowing Chinese nationals to visit Guam without a visa is based on legislation from 2008, which identified China as meeting the economic threshold for the program. Chinese nationals can visit Guam for business or pleasure for up to 14 days but are not authorized for employment. DHS emphasizes its screening and vetting measures to prevent exploitation of the immigration system.
Republican lawmakers criticize the Biden administration for maintaining this exemption, accusing it of disregarding national security concerns. They argue for stricter visa requirements to deter potential aggression and infiltration by the Chinese Communist Party. Concerns about illegal Chinese immigration to the US border have also heightened, with a significant surge in apprehensions of Chinese nationals in recent years, raising additional national security worries.
Here are some numbers to check out from the America First Policy Institute:
MARCH 6, 2024
NATIONWIDE AND SOUTHERN BORDER “ENCOUNTERS” OF CHINESE ILLEGAL ALIENS (FY12-FY24 YTD.)
KEY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SURGE OF CHINESE ILLEGAL ALIENS
01 / HOW DO THE CURRENT APPREHENSION NUMBERS DIFFER FROM PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS?
Since 2021, in any given month, apprehensions of Chinese nationals have exceed yearly totals under previous administrations. Nationwide “encounters” (which include illegal aliens arriving at the Northern border and other Ports of Entry around the country) saw an especially dramatic increase of 4,000% from FY20–23.
02 / WHY ARE MORE CHINESE ILLEGAL ALIENS COMING TO THE BORDER?
The main reason is that under the Biden Administration, it has never been easier to surrender oneself at the border, make an asylum claim, and be released into the U.S. Interviews with Chinese migrants suggest they are coming to the U.S. for reasons that do not qualify them for asylum.
03 / DO CHINESE ILLEGAL ALIENS POSE A NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT?
Yes, as do all unvetted illegal aliens. The U.S. is not properly vetting the hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens coming to the border each month. The CCP is likely exploiting the unsecured southern border for nefarious reasons.
04 / WHAT SHOULD THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DO ABOUT THIS?
First, it should secure the border by reinstating deterrence policies and enforcing the laws that prevent unlawful entry. Simultaneously, it should get tough on the CCP by reinstating thorough vetting of all illegal aliens, compelling China to take back its own citizens after they are ordered removed, and doubling down on intelligence efforts to stop CCP espionage and infiltration.