The past decade has seen a yearly 10 percent increase in China’s expatriate population. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal confirms that China is a relatively easy place for foreigners to live and work, especially with its buoyant demand for language teachers. “High-speed economic development has made China a new destination for ‘illegal aliens,’” according to State Council counselor Ma Li. One American magazine made the dramatic observation that, “A new wave of ‘xenophobic’ sentiment is sweeping across China.”Ī foreigner is granted the Permanent Residence of Aliens, or Chinese “green card.” CFP Certain foreign media reporting on this latest drive interpret it as a xenophobic expression of renewed nationalism.
This is by no means a first in China similar programs having been rolled out in major cities such as Guangzhou and Chongqing where foreigners converge.
Legal campaigns to root out illegal aliens are routine procedure throughout the world. The 100-day campaign lasted to the end of August. BEIJING Municipal Public Security Bureau announced in May a crackdown on foreigners illegally entering, residing or working in the capital.
