Issues in Focus

Chinese Human Smuggling

Each year thousands of Chinese lured by the promise of making easy fortunes pay criminals known as "snakeheads" tens of thousands of dollars for a chance to illegally enter the United States. For most, the gamble they take pays off only in debt, disappointment, and sometimes even death.

This page examines the many risks faced by illegal immigrants. It also explores the ways that human smuggling is a criminal, human rights, and national security threat.