Chinese immigrants in the U.S., like Wang Gang from Wuhan, are facing daily struggles, seeking work and financial stability. Contrary to the narrative pushed by former President Donald Trump and other Republicans, they are not a coordinated military force. Trump’s repeated references to “military-age” Chinese men forming a migrant “army” have heightened tensions within Asian communities and raised concerns about further xenophobic attacks.
Advocacy groups like Stop AAPI Hate and the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans fear that such rhetoric will incite more hate and violence against Asian Americans. While the number of Chinese migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border has increased, there is no evidence to suggest they pose a military threat. China has dismissed Trump’s claims, emphasizing its stance against illegal immigration and efforts to discourage it.