Chinese migrants credit TikTok for aiding their journey across the U.S. border
OAN’s Taylor Tinsley
4:19 PM – Monday, February 12, 2024
As thousands of migrants continue to arrive at the southern border, Chinese immigrants say videos on TikTok are showing them how and where to illegally enter the United States.
During a recent segment featured on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” dozens of migrants could be seen entering the U.S. through a gap at the border fence in Jacumba, California, just 60-miles east of San Diego.
This comes amid a surge in Chinese immigrants, many of which are seeking political asylum.
Some of those crossing the border said they traveled for 40 days across at least seven countries in order to reach Mexico.
Over the course of four days, crews said human smugglers dropped off a new vehicle of migrants every half hour, totaling at nearly 600 people.
A 37-year-old Chinese woman told “60 Minutes” that she learned of the entryway from TikTok.
Some videos on the Chinese-run social media platform give users instructions on how to find gaps in the border wall and even how to hire smugglers to give them a ride.
A TikTok spokesperson said the platform prohibits human smuggling and removes such videos.
Meanwhile, its website says TikTok provides a place for “survivors of human exploitation to share their stories, and for migrants and refugees to be able to document their journeys, so we provide a space to do so.”
TikTok is not banned in mainland China, it’s just “inaccessible.” The country has its own version of the platform called Douyin where a Chinese phone number is required.
Citizens have been able to find ways to use TikTok instead of Douyin, however, such as installing a third party system into their cell phones or not inserting a China SIM card.
Created by ByteDance, Douyin originally launched in 2016 and the company released TikTok as an overseas alternative in late 2016.
According to data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection approximately 37,000 Chinese nationals were apprehended at the border in 2023.
According to the Department of Justice 2,681, or 55%, of Chinese immigrants were granted asylum.
Meanwhile, with Senate Republicans killing the most recent border bill, immigration reform continues to take the spotlight for top issues heading into the 2024 election.
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How has TikTok’s role as a social media platform influenced the surge in Chinese immigrants seeking political asylum in the United States?
Control continues to be a significant issue for the United States. The surge in Chinese immigrants seeking political asylum has brought attention to the role of social media platforms, particularly TikTok, in facilitating illegal entry into the country.
Videos on TikTok have emerged, purportedly showing Chinese immigrants how and where to illegally enter the United States. These videos provide instructions on finding gaps in the border wall and even hiring smugglers for assistance. One migrant interviewed during a segment on CBS’ “60 Minutes” claimed to have learned about the entryway from TikTok.
While TikTok claims to prohibit content related to human smuggling and removes such videos, some still manage to circulate on the platform. TikTok’s website explains that it aims to provide a space for survivors of human exploitation to share their stories and for migrants and refugees to document their journeys. However, this raises concerns about the platform inadvertently aiding illegal activities.
TikTok’s accessibility in China is limited, as the country has its own version of the platform called Douyin, which requires a Chinese phone number for registration. Nevertheless, Chinese citizens have found ways to use TikTok instead of Douyin, such as installing third-party systems on their cell phones or not using a China SIM card.
The surge in Chinese immigrants at the border highlights the need for effective immigration control measures. According to data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, approximately 37,000 Chinese nationals were apprehended at the border in 2023. Among them, 2,681, or 55%, were granted asylum by the Department of Justice.
This issue of illegal immigration is further complicated by the political landscape. With Senate Republicans blocking the latest border bill, it becomes clear that immigration control will continue to be a contentious and unresolved issue.
In conclusion, the influence of social media platforms like TikTok in facilitating illegal entry into the United States cannot be overlooked. Despite TikTok’s claims to prohibit content related to human smuggling, videos providing instructions on illegal border crossing continue to circulate. The surge in Chinese immigrants further emphasizes the need for effective immigration control measures, and the political landscape surrounding this issue remains contentious. It is crucial for the authorities to address this issue and find solutions that safeguard the integrity of the immigration system while ensuring the fair treatment of those seeking asylum.
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