Hui Muslims, an ethnic minority group in China, have fled their homeland amid government crackdowns on Islam, facing persecution and detention. Many have embarked on perilous journeys to the United States, often traversing the treacherous Darién Gap in Panama to reach the U.S. southern border.
As the political climate changes in the U.S., with concerns regarding potential deportation policies under the incoming administration, the future for these immigrants remains uncertain. Deportation could lead to imprisonment or labor camps in China, heightening the fears of those who have managed to escape.
Yan, a single mother who arrived in the United States in July with her son, Masoud, shared her mother’s warning against returning to China, stating, “There’ll be no good outcome for you.” Yan had previously been detained and sent to a psychiatric hospital for her perceived support of religious activities.
The number of Chinese migrants seeking refuge has increased, driven by economic struggles and political oppression. In the 2024 fiscal year, over 38,000 Chinese migrants were temporarily detained at the U.S. southern border, a significant rise from the previous year.
In New York City, Yan and her son are among those who gather at a shelter for Muslim immigrants from China, known as Home of Muslim, where they find community support and share meals reflecting their cultural heritage.
The shelter, founded by Ma Ju in February 2023, has hosted over 350 people, primarily Hui Muslims, as well as other ethnic groups facing similar hardships. Ma described the emotional toll of their experiences, noting that many do not recognize their suffering as oppression.
The Hui Muslims, numbering around 11 million in China, have historically experienced less persecution compared to the Uyghurs. However, recent crackdowns on religious practices have left the Hui community feeling vulnerable.
Yong, another refugee who once ran a halal restaurant in Xinjiang, recounted the fear he and his wife lived in as government repression escalated. After fleeing China, he now works as an ambulance driver in Queens.
Ye Chengxiang, who also faced government restrictions on his business, spent years obtaining passports for his family before finally making the journey to the U.S. He expressed that despite the hardships faced during their escape, arriving in America made it worthwhile.
While many have started new lives in the U.S., challenges remain. Issues such as dietary restrictions and workplace discrimination complicate their integration. Ma has provided legal counsel to help newcomers navigate asylum applications, emphasizing the importance of understanding their rights in the current political landscape.
Yan expressed the anxiety shared among the immigrant community, stating, “Everyone is on edge.” Her primary concern is securing a safe future for her son, underscoring the gravity of their situation and the desperate choices they face.