An unprecedented number of Chinese people are entering the United States illegally through Mexico.

Chinese nationals made up less than two percent of the 2.5 million migrants documented by U.S. authorities at the southern border in 2023. But they’re the fastest-growing group, with more than 37,000 detained last year.

Which is 50 times higher than in 2021.

The illegal route through Mexico is becoming much more common, with many of those who make it into the U.S. this way seeking political asylum on arrival.

Many who leave their hometowns go abroad in search of work and better opportunities, because of China’s struggling economy.

But some say they are also leaving because of the repressive living conditions in the country.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry claims it isn’t aware of the situation, but says it opposes and punishes any form of illegal migration.

Aljazeera.