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The Complex Journey of Chinese Migrants Moving Toward the United States via South America

Introduction: A New Wave of Chinese Migration Through Unconventional Routes

In recent years, the traditional pathways of migration have shifted dramatically, with an unprecedented surge of Chinese migrants attempting to reach the United States via southern America and Central America. In 2023 alone, approximately 25,565 Chinese individuals undertook the perilous trek through the Darién Gap—an escape route that has become a symbol of hardship and resilience, reflecting a twelvefold increase from the previous year. These migrants, driven by a complex mix of economic struggles, political disillusionment, and the allure of freedom, traverse land and sea, often risking their lives to reach the U.S.