Dramatic Rise Noted in Chinese-Alien Smuggling
Border Patrol officials report that at least 261 Chinese nationals were arrested this year trying to cross the border illegally in Arizona's Tucson Border Sector This represents a ten-fold increase over the average of 32 caught there during each of the last four years.
Overall, the Tucson sector experienced a 24 percent drop in illegal-alien arrests last fiscal year. That makes the spike of Chinese-national arrests surprising. The Border Patrol reports that Chinese nationals as a category now constitute the highest number of OTM (Other Than Mexican) catches.
Chinese nationals are reportedly paying smugglers the highest fees now. While Mexicans pay around $1,500 for smuggling help and fees for Central Americans may reach $6,000, the Chinese sometimes pay $20,000 or more for illicit assistance. Factored into these higher fees are air fares into countries like Ecuador, which have favorable visa policies for Chinese nationals, and passage into Mexico and eventually the U.S.
While the Tucson Sector saw highest increase in arrests, it is not the most popular route for smuggling Chinese nationals. The McAllen Border Sector in Texas had the highest arrest volume, with 667 caught this year. That route is thought to be more popular for Chinese smugglers because of its proximity to Central America.
See this article for more information.