Following Chinese Migrants’ Treacherous Journey To America's Border | Short | Walk The Line

From the producer of the hit series ‘One Way’, Wei Du and her team present a new documentary, ‘Walk The Line’.
Chinese citizens are the fastest-growing group of illegal migrants entering the United States. For weeks, CNA followed some of them across South America, as they navigated a complex web of human smugglers, drug cartels, and border officials to reach the US southern border. The migrants’ perilous journey includes crossing the Darien Gap, a dense, paramilitary-controlled jungle that is one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes.
Catch Walk The Line, premiering May 18, 9pm SG/HK, where we find out how and why some Chinese migrants are risking their lives to chase the American Dream.
ALSO WATCH:
One Way Ticket Out Of Hong Kong: Our Family's Journey | One Way - Part 1 | CNA Documentary
• One Way Ticket Out Of ...
Finding A New Home After Leaving Hong Kong | One Way - Part 2 | CNA Documentary
• Finding A New Home Aft...
#CNAInsider #China #US #SouthAmerica #Mexico #Migration #Migrants
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[@samuelschultz6831]

Wei Du and the team are my heroes. Sam from Jacumba

[@jansg405]

👍

[@PangRenTan]

one of the best documentaries from CNA, you definitely reached Gold standard there guys. good job.

[@ahkoy973]

These poor souls have been fooled, conned and brainwashed by the people smugglers to take such risks 😢😢

[@aloyd6157]

naah , they know it , stay behind they will likely be prosecuted for crimes in china . ordinary folks will not take such risks.

[@tanjongmalim6869]

Brainwashed? They are nothing in China. That is why they left. And some are implanted by CCP

[@adlerzwei]

Nobody brainwashed them. 🤣

[@RavindranSubbiah-dn3dt]

The Chinese poor soul... What a laugh😅😅😅😅 nothing is straight about them... The only thing straight is their hair...

[@williamzabiski7653]

Hehehe, brainwashing is done from the origin , example putin.

[@christopherlaw9184]

I have been waiting for the documentary by CNA. Have it on my calendar 👍🏻

[@sarahfan5062]

The storytelling skills is so compelling, I thought 'One Way' was the best, it just got better than better. Wei Du & team has just lifted the bar higher. Looking forward to a behind-the-scene! Thank you Wei Du & team!

[@maximus6884]

There is a reason they are leaving China. Takjng all these risks

[@cac1504]

Follow stupid idealism.

[@liar-liar]

The song " go west ", by pet shop boys, still lingering in Chinese culture

[@NickReels]

America by Neil Diamond

[@tanjongmalim6869]

It lingers in many many nationalities

[@cac1504]

Watched too much Hollywood movies - propaganda

[@FIREownyourtime]

These people are brainwashed to think that usa is the land of riches and its easy to go from rags to riches. When in actual, the living costs in US is very high. They will be stuck working 12 hour shifts in restaurants getting paid 12-15 per hour. After taxes, they might see 2000 per month. With rent and food, they will be lucky to save $200. Rent is easily $1000 per month and food and gas and car costs for one person will be around $800. It is not the land of milk and honey. Please interview those who came to china town many years ago and see how they are doing now.

[@sgsft-uo9fs]

"600M population of China earned less than 1000RMB(= 138Usd) per month" said the late prime Li Keqiang.

[@jin_asap]

@@sgsft-uo9fs That's wrong. That number is per capita disposable income. Per capita and disposable. Children, retirees, old folks, etc are included in the number.

[@freemanol]

I talked to some filipino guy whose family migrated to the US to work menial jobs (not sure legally or otherwise), and he said they regretted it and were looking to move back. They couldn't make ends meet in the US either

[@EzraMerr]

Most chinese I know finesse the system they're millionaires now

[@EzraMerr]

​@sgsft-uo9fs the rest make from $1000-3000 a month and then the small business owners make $15,000-30,000 a month with the top making $1,000,000-20,000,000 a month , tax is low

[@tatsuhitot]

What's wrong with China? Why are people leaving? And what's so good about the USA that Chinese people choose to swarm in there? Isn't Singapore good enough already?

[@lutomson3496]

greedy people, wanting to free load off Americans we are tied of all illegals, I just got back from China, its not that bad and plenty of other Asian countries around to go to Vietnam for example

[@TENGRI-101]

Dude.. not only chineses but indians- bangladeshis -pakistanis are illegally migrating to us in mass. They want to esacape from third world

[@SK-lt1so]

Never heard of "freedom"? Sad...

[@danlee8640]

@@SK-lt1so freedom to be racial discriminated,freedom to be shot at? freedom to be car jacked?

[@SK-lt1so]

@@danlee8640 Not all free people are "perfect", so the CCP takes away the rights of 1.4 billion Chinese mainlanders?! You think a modern society should be run like a grade school classroom? Really?!

[@drjennyli]

No matter whether you agree or disagree. Wei Du and her team follow this people to “ walk the line. “ I can’t wait to watch this documentary. For whoever is watching, please try to keep an open mind. We are talking about real people with family risk their lives for this journey. Thank you Wei du and your team ❤

[@Don_40]

@drjennyli It is not fair for legal immigrants who come to US and apply for visa online and wait their turn. The US and Biden is also letting in illegal junk from south of the border demanding free housing and job. Come to any country in Asia and they apply the right way with passports and visas.

[@lucky-dw1tt]

@@Don_40 ，

[@lucky-dw1tt]

@@Don_40 ，

[@high4travel]

watching these Chinese who took thisjourney makes me feel so grateful to be here in Canada. I was sponsored by my brother who came to Canada as boat people from Vietnam.

[@hoa-mpls2422]

It’s such high risk for people to cross the borders illegally to come to America. My heart goes out to those who have to endure the hardship to find better life for themselves. Can’t wait to watch this documentary.

[@user-tq2hq7gb1t]

Hi Wei du, l just want to say!!. You are an amazing woman for helping this people to reach their destination by following their steps. It is a very hard situation that this people go through. To be an immigrant is not nice at all and l am one. Finally we are always protected by god to be where we want to be. God bless you and these people too. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@jessel8303]

👏Thanks to WeiDu&team + CNA; I wept watching this. It reminds me of my late grandpa who left Fujian (Nanfang) by boat on year 1920 due to food scarce and landed in Semarang. Now at 50 , I watched this heart breaking reality. How come this happen ?😢

[@frederickgaoing1863]

Wow! You are so brave to report this dangerous journey. Do follow up when they are settled in US and see how they are doing in USA. Thank you.

[@crosbyong]

I’ve watched all 3 parts. Thank you, CNA & Wei Du, for this insightful and extremely sad documentary. What an excellent report! I’m looking forward to your follow-up report.

[@casey9664]

Shout out to the crews braving the treacherous conditions to film this documentary!👍👍👍

[@engjoo]

A captivating documentary! Excellent journalism!

[@saf00]

this documentary captured the embarrassment of all the governments involved in the process.

[@lotusgift4022]

True corruptions r evry where.

[@user-gq3xo6ok3s]

thank you Du wei team. you are hero. I purely wish all imigrants either from China or Latin America and Africa have a wonderful future in USA.

[@siarung1972]

Great story ❤❤❤❤

[@bljy618]

Chinese social media often see people promoting a happy life in the United States, with low prices and affordable cars and houses. If you want this kind of happy life, you just need to pay the promoters, and they will take you across Mexico to the United States.

[@tanjongmalim6869]

Social media also post happy life in China and North Korea

[@ANEEAMA]

The same way Chinese propaganda channels produce “ Chinese heaven” in China stories. However, no Americans are illegally migrating to China’s borders or any other borders . These people are actually risking their life for reaching USA which means the situation is so pathetic. Normally , people from war torn countries risk their life like thins , others try only legal migration.

[@BTCRun2024]

will see it tonigth here in Bangkok, know very well Colombia...will be interesting, greetings to Singapore

[@jagstang5479]

Outstanding piece of work. Well done!!

[@micahiah2]

Good one. I finished the whole series.

[@whitemoon5752]

Good reporting

[@yikelly1559]

What a brave journalist 😊

[@fuzzyspackage]

😱

[@nextlastChang]

Chinese dream is going to America 🇺🇸.

[@AngelaVlahos]

I'm Arab king. my parents grew up in CHINA

[@gadenp81]

Leaving one bad situation into another bad situation. Sad that people still think USA is the land of dreams. Sadly it is not so. Not even for their own USA citizens. Really makes me appreciate that I was born and grew up in Singapore.

[@TheBrightFuture30Channel]

If you were born and grew up in Singapore then you would not know what a beautiful and prosperous country the USA is. Stop sharing your two cents opinion about America.

[@SivalinPuthery]

@@TheBrightFuture30Channel Yes. Yes. Yes. The US is the best country in the world. No racism. No inequality. Best healthcare system in the world. Best government. Pinker-tonian happy?

[@mosqutio88]

As a US Combat Veteran, we respect and appreciate Singapore. We wish to see Singaporean style leadership and results here in the US. My friends and I who are/were in the military always desire to work in Singapore because it's a country much safer to raise our children. To take matters into our own hands we just decided to leave the US and rarely come back. Too many Americans killing other Americans.

[@d.c.3534]

@@TheBrightFuture30Channelyou must be high if you live in America and can’t see the decline in society here. Unhoused homeless blamed on housing crisis instead of drug epidemic, rise in crime causing businesses to shut down. Inflation. Prosperous country with the world’s highest debt and now you have a movement by economic power countries looking to de-dollarize and that still looks good to you? And now the issue with illegal immigration where approximately 9 million have entered the country in less than 3 years where states have to cut funding from the community and help the illegals. Yeah it’s a real utopia alright.

[@nguyenlamanh2919]

The US might not be the best, but it’s still a good country to live in. Especially if you from a place where you are repressed.

[@anandgopanag1535]

Everyone should love own country without hating their country. China is very beautiful country. You can make money if you are doing any good business without hurting chinese law.this people is very brainwashed by someone

[@jansg405]

Then why Emperor Xi Jin Ping daughter living n USA? Why does her daughter does not want to return to her motherland to assist his father?

[@ArabicReja973]

Xi Jinping's siblings love China 🇨🇳 so much. Xi's brother and sister live in Australia 🇦🇺. Another sister lives in Canada 🇨🇦.

[@williamzabiski7653]

You forgot the daughter

[@devildevil2271]

Goooo West... Live is peaceful there.... Pet shop boys song

[@nancydonaldson3886]

This was scary . The darien seemed much easier than trying to get out of mexico where things ramped up for life and death. The bethany Chinese church taking advantage of vulnerable and traumatised people is worse though because its their own country people . They should be helping not cashing in on their desperation for freedom .

[@espadac4746]

Literal definition of "out of the frying pan into the fire" lmao

[@mingbolao]

thanks

[@jherc]

Many people leave China due to economic hardship. The high number living in poverty is concerning. According to the late premier, 600 million Chinese people earn less than 1,000 RMB, placing them in a very poor category. After years of rapid economic growth, one might expect China to be catching up to South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore. However, widespread corruption among communist officials and excessive waste by government-linked corporations have kept the average Chinese citizen in poverty. Those who succeed often have powerful connections, such as uncles who are mayors or fathers who are vice ministers. Fear of the government is another significant reason for emigration. CCP officials implemented harsh measures during the COVID-19 lockdowns, including sealing some residents' main doors with steel chains. These actions instilled fear for personal safety in many citizens.

[@Sathornetfire]

So ur saying It becoming like Japan before it becomes rich ?

[@johnhemryjson8673]

They only do this because they can not because they have to

[@ianzhou6408]

They are idiots in thinking the US is the land of riches that offer them opportunities. Most of them don't even speak English.

[@coffeeNTrees]

Send a bill to the nations who fail to provide a life worth living to their citizens resulting in their needing to leave and come to the US. SEND CHINA THE BILL!

[@ori5581]

중국 잘살던데…왜 저렇게 까지 하는거야? 저렇게 미국 간다고 누가 직업과 돈을 그냥 주나?

[@michael85225]

The US is very expensive and life isn't that great here. Migrants should reconsider before coming here because the cost of living is horrible.

[@kstang61]

The pasture is not always greener on the other side. Nature your own greens on your own side in order to have a better living

[@GoGoPooerRangers]

Yes, cause Xi is allowing just that. 🤡

[@Joshy890]

Why not going to Indonesia? The majority of Chinese people here are hell rich...

[@williamzabiski7653]

You meant corrupt mainland chinese officials, lots of their family members now resides in singapore. Dont pretend you dont know it

[@GoGoPooerRangers]

Indonesia rich? That's news to me.

[@Sathornetfire]

@@GoGoPooerRangersoh we are rich alright do you know that if we combine the 2 richest person in Indonesia ( they are literally brothers so 1 family) their wealth is the 25 richest in the world Yea the country that rank 16 in world GDP it’s richest family beat the richest person in the world 3rd richest country by a mile Wealth inequality is one hell of a drug

[@SubwayStreetvendorblocki-hn1wy]

Gohopoeersmgers, it depends on your relatives. My dorm had a Chinese guy from Singapore who is a quarter danish and his Indonesian relatives own a chemical company listed on the exchange. Yacht, owns entire apt building, all his cousins brothers sisters relatives employed in same offices etc

[@user-bj4ki1yo1j]

外国人去中国旅游后认为中国是世界上最发达的国家，简直就是天堂，而这群中国人却拼命的来到美国，只能说这个世界太荒唐了😂

[@Jersey1225]

去西天取經是傳統。

[@user-yq3tu4oe6p]

很多是因为宗教 还有信用破产 有案底

[@wh6055]

Before looking at borders oceans away, let's not forget to focus on our own.

[@GoGoPooerRangers]

What do you all not understand? They have a repressive government, they are desperate for a reason!

[@willgates8383]

Watched the e 3 part series, and they spending about $10, 000 per person and with dangers of being killed, raped etc. My questions is, if they got that type of money, s it not easier, cheaper and safer to enter the US as a tourist and just not go back??

[@ksy6177]

True and they just need to apply for visa and straight apply for asylum But I think this may be unlikely to work out because trekking through country and jungles lend more credence to the person running away as a refugee. I guess it means it's easier for them to claim asylum that way

[@kunzhang1825]

@@ksy6177 I thought they need to be arrested at the border to claim that?

[@stngiam]

Very hard to get a tourist visa unless you can prove that you have a house and job to go back to in China. But these people sold their homes and withdrew all their savings already so they won't get a visa

[@user-np9rs8cl1r]

The difference is the % of being denied entry at airport is more likely than entering thru the gap. I saw in one news where they throw away their passports. Thru the gap, you will be detained if caught then eventually released not deported. If I have to spend X amount with more possibility of staying in US, I'd risk it. That I believe is why they took that route. On the other hand, marrying an American is an easy access for most Asian women.

[@williamtan7912]

once they reach US they are dissapointed

[@SunnyMa-iv2xu]

But in the US long time ago early immigrants is Vietnamese also look like the China face.

[@xwrtk]

The wait to come to the U.S. regardless of reason is long because of the people who abuse legal system and overstay their legal visa. Also, it’s due to way too many people wanting to come to the U.S. regardless of reason. Chinese who have legally skipped the line choose to study or live in West Virginia and or choose to live in the middle of nowhere/rural areas. Some Chinese people choose to skip due to long waits and also not wanting to live in small towns to help speed up the process.

[@thuptenlama9018]

Why most stunning country people has leave their own country and live in a worse than their own?!!!!

[@eddiepong2110]

It's just heartbroken to see people risking their lives just to gain basic human rights and dignity. 😢

[@kaffir76]

0:25 FASTEST GROWING. WOW. 😂😂 well Missy, u left China too. So what?

[@lyndachen2810]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@SK-lt1so]

Chinese mainlanders are sick of rotting CCP prison state.

[@jin_asap]

you watch too much western msm bs

[@SK-lt1so]

@@jin_asap What's not true, "rotting" or "prison state"?

[@jin_asap]

@@SK-lt1so dont make claims that you cant back up.

[@SK-lt1so]

@@jin_asap Ask mainland Chinese about the CCP - oh, wait, we can't... Good point!

[@jin_asap]

@@SK-lt1so if you are implying that the chinese have no freedom, you are wrong also. There are thousands of protests in China each year, and various ways for people to give their ideas to the govt. The CPC actually respond to the people, unlike your govt. So, stop making assumptions.

[@kennySg101]

I thank the production team and Wei Du for a wonderful program. As a human being, I can't accept the ordeals they had to go thru and they are so much corruption in many parts of the world. Those who walk the line know the risks but perhaps don't know that they n their love ones may lose their life. One even said in China u can find food anytime of the day. Here is a ghost town. I wish these migrants well in their journey in USA.

[@paparoti4006]

Now new garmen . Invite them here.

[@xiphoid2011]

I'm a legal chinese student who immigrated to the US. We legal Chinese Americans are indeed wealthier and more successful than even white Americans. But our success is because we were the top Chinese students and were accepted into US universities legally. Many, if not most, of us were dirt poor when we came from China as well, but the differences are (1) we came legally and (2) we have the knowledge/talent that American companies are willing to pay high salaries for when we graduated. The American dream is indeed very much alive for Asian Americans today, but again, it's only if you have the specialized education and skills. 学好数理化，走遍天下都不怕。But if you are an unskilled laborer, it's a hard life no matter where you are in the world, not just in China. Please don't try to enter the US illegally, especially through lawless and corrupt nations south of the border.

[@duaneowens7777]

whichj state are you in

[@xiphoid2011]

​@@duaneowens7777Texas.

[@yuluoxianjun]

lol

[@williamzabiski7653]

​​@@yuluoxianjunhe is telling the truth, most asians are middle or higher middle class with a few like nvdia owner, billionaire from nothing

[@rahusphere]

You don’t want ur bros from to China to join😅

[@JosephSolisAlcaydeAlberici]

I hope as a Filipino I can do the same thing as these Chinese migrants by entering the US through the US-Mexico border backdoor because no employment opportunities for me as a public school teacher in the Philippines.

[@sic5764]

Europe would be a better call, most countries have an easier immigration system, more educational opportunities and a similar if not better quality of life for normal people, also most people (90%+) speak english as a secondary language so communication is still easy. Downsides are mostly around bureaucracy, but I guess that's true for the US as well.

[@freemanol]

Talked to a filipino guy a while ago whose family did what you said. They said they couldn't make ends meet in the US too and it's not the dreamland they thought it was

[@hildaortiz7537]

@@sic5764😮what countries in Europe

[@sic5764]

@@hildaortiz7537 Depends, if you look at unemployment rates the best would be germany, netherlands, czechia, slovenia and austria. If you look at quality of life and don't mind the cold the scandinavians would be the best, although they all have become quit skeptical about immigration lately. If you want a more detailed look, try googling EU immigration policies and general statistics about employment, governence, immigration, etc. in each country, most if not all countries have these in english.

[@hildaortiz7537]

@@sic5764 has germany become very rich ? thank you 😊 for explaining I had no idea are those countries close to each other ?

[@CBF2020]

Most of them just want to start over. Most of them are in so much debt in China from the property crash that it’s better to run away and start new. I would do the same thing.

[@hildaortiz7537]

😢sadly is like a fairy tale there’s no american dream they risk so much to come poor people in the states everything is so highly expensive and in the most popular places even much more it has become a luxury to live in here sadly they risk everything

[@GoGoPooerRangers]

Some can make it, hence plenty of tech CEOs in America are from foreign born countries but no road is easy!

[@hildaortiz7537]

@@GoGoPooerRangers I didn’t know they weren’t from this country from what countries?

[@thediner8929]

Don’t need them here.

[@chinobandito7625]

Im from the USA. I am so confused as to why so many Chinese are leaving and coming to expensive, drug infested, crime ridden american cities??? Chinese towns and cities seem exponentially more safer than compared to American cities..

[@GoGoPooerRangers]

Yes, you sure sound like a fox news watching clown.

[@kunzhang1825]

Because they didn't know this before they came.

[@jachsehabend]

like to ask, why are Chinese citizens entering USA in swarms? and why aren't Americans or other nationalities entering China in swarms? and why are we always lauding China, when so many (actually all) Chinese wants out of China?

[@mosqutio88]

Same with Indians. I lived in Texas and I see many Indians crossing into our territory! I left the US to leave this declining country. So sad to see what's happening to it.

[@sktoh4469]

Ask your ex-pm lhl. He knows everything. He's supposedly the wisest man on the planet.

[@btlim4316]

Laws are too strict in China. But Thailand and Laos are available and many do go there

[@mosqutio88]

@@btlim4316 Laws are too lose in my country-the US. 😂

[@jachsehabend]

@@btlim4316 yes went there change passport and continue the underground activities

[@MLIKIYASAMEHA]

HOW about Diversity visa lottery? 2020 up to 2024 during the pandemic,conflict and Trump immigration Ban No Interview NO visa. still At NVC for past 4 fiscal year on west and Horn of Africa Like Ethiopia, Ghana, Sudan. Visa priority Date passed.Congress OR Federal supreme court must use your neck! to see back problem and solve Legal Immigrant obstacles! God Bless u.s!

[@xwrtk]

There are Afghan people who got the diversity visa lottery but haven’t been able to leave as too many people want out of Afghanistan due to the Taliban takeover. A very few Afghan have successfully left via the diversity visa.

[@binzen7173]

Wei Du 杜唯 is an anti-china journalist who supports the HK rioters! Can tell what’s her agenda

[@jansg405]

So what if she is? Any issue?

[@newsubcriber65887]

✈️🎟 🏠

[@liar-liar]

They are hoping to marry Caucasian

[@yeetian2774]

CNA, please tell them to return the money they borrowed from banks and individuals.

[@littleowlbooks8514]

But China is amazing..........

[@williamzabiski7653]

Amazing when you are a government official but not ordinary folks

[@liar-liar]

They should have migrated to India for better lives

[@TENGRI-101]

Are you serious? Either India (and south asia) or china stands top in term of illegal migration (to usa).

[@weetaoneo3081]

😂

[@GoGoPooerRangers]

Sarcasm?

[@nancyking9033]

The Trojan Horse

[@PrideWang]

In fact, most of them have criminal records or their family members. Because there are cameras everywhere in China, it is difficult for criminals to use their criminal expertise. The United States is indeed a good place for crime.

[@tech4life884]

These Chinese citizens have a rude awakening coming to America. Our countrys citizens have more than 1 billion firearms in the possession of American citizens homes with danger everywhere.

[@adlerzwei]

You are not American. 😅

[@adlerzwei]

@AmericanLapTiger You know why. 🤣

[@lucky-dw1tt]

As Chinese, each of us is a victim and accomplice of communist hegemony! There has never been a true savior in this world! People are free to say that heaven is hell, but in hell we seem to be silenced by a dictator! Only if we save ourselves will we have hope!

[@duaneowens7777]

are you in china or USA

[@yuluoxianjun]

as a chinese man,i can sure most now chinese women hate china

[@fzmoifzmoi2575]

Out of 1.4 billion people in China, what is the percentage of the migrants leaving? Pretty low isn't it? Add up all the illegal migrants and what percentage are Chinese? Still low isn't it? In all countries there're unhappy people, but to make it as if its a large percentage of the country is illogical. Do you live in China? I live here and don't feel oppressed and am happy, the one's that aren't happy are low, at least I haven't encountered any

[@lucky-dw1tt]

@@fzmoifzmoi2575 The Chinese Communist dictatorship will only be cruel and exploitative to its own people! We are weak to please foreign countries. If you think I am wrong, you should check where your nationality is and whether you look like a Westerner.

[@lucky-dw1tt]

​​@@yuluoxianjunBullying of the vulnerable and bigotry are also among the few virtues of Chinese men, which are strikingly similar to communist dictators

[@911TruthWTC7]

Bottom Line! Come into America aka the U.S LEGALLY. There is a process for vital reasons.

[@tremurder2743]

So, we are suppose to FEEL SORRY!! COME to the UNITED STATES THE LEGAL WAY…..

[@unicornmare2891]

Hello Lady , Can you speak Cantonese ?😅

[@hopkin2006]

Well, Wei Du is from Hong Kong. I guess the answer is yes.