China demands loyalty from young expats in US

WORLD  04 July 2024 - 02:30

China is demanding loyalty from young professionals living in the US, which sometimes conflicts with local laws and immigration requirements.

These demands are targeted at Chinese nationals who joined the Communist Party in hopes of advancing their careers upon returning home, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

An estimated 10,000 party members are currently studying or working in the US, many in significant roles within top universities and corporations.

These directives include participating in webinars to promote China’s image, paying party dues, studying political material from China, and checking in with party officials to ensure loyalty. This has created a particular concern in the US due to increasing scrutiny of China’s intentions and fears of espionage.

Party members are required to follow orders from the central authority, but these orders may conflict with American laws against foreign influence, such as the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). This law requires individuals to register as foreign agents if they are conducting publicity work at the request of foreign governments or politicians.

While it is not illegal for Chinese immigrants to remain Communist Party members in the US, it can raise security concerns and complicate legal and immigration matters. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services deems party membership a disqualification for green card eligibility. As a result, many Chinese professionals working in the US have denied their party membership when applying for work visas.

The Chinese Communist Party has intensified its efforts to maintain control over its members abroad, requiring regular reports and participation in webinars to promote China positively. These demands have put Chinese professionals in a difficult position, balancing the need to comply with party directives while trying to avoid legal issues in the US.

Some have chosen to hide their party affiliation to secure permanent residence in the US, while others struggle to maintain their membership to benefit from career opportunities upon returning to China. Quitting the party is legally possible by stopping dues payments for six months, but this can be difficult to manage in practice.

As US-China relations continue to deteriorate, the pressure on Chinese professionals in the US to navigate these conflicting demands and laws is increasing.

Caliber.Az