INS COMMISSIONER MEISSNER VISITS CHINA Doris Meissner, the Commissioner of the INS, was in Beijing, China, recently to discuss the problem of alien smuggling and the dramatic changes that have occurred in Chinese smuggling efforts over the past year or so. According to Meissner, smuggling gangs have grown more sophisticated, no longer relying solely on hiding migrants in boat holds.
Instead, smugglers now tend to take people out of China to Europe, South or Central America. They then enter the US in small groups using fraudulent documents. According to Meissner, because the groups are smaller, and operate in more ways, apprehending them has become more difficult.
Meissner was in China to meet with government officials to develop new ways of sharing information so that smugglers can be more effectively prosecuted. She is also seeking to improve repatriation agreements with China. Meissner said that ensuring quick repatriation is essential as a means of convincing people that the cost and risks of being smuggled to the US are not worth it.
So far this year 2,700 Chinese nationals have been repatriated from the US. That number is expected to top 4000 by the end of the year. Most Chinese apprehended in the US seek asylum, but only about 13 percent are granted the right to remain. < Back | Next > Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided as a public service and not intended to establish an attorney client relationship. Any reliance on information contained herein is taken at your own risk. | 
