When Hong Kong’s riots in 2019 and 2020 ceased, many fugitives and citizens fled to places like the U.S. and U.K. Some of them established organisations such as the “US Hongkongers Club” to hold gatherings and protests. Notwithstanding the political calculation, the potential dire impact they bring to U.S. society is often overlooked.
In the first place, these new entrants are psychologically dissatisfied. Back in the times in their hometown, most of them participated in the riots in 2019 and 2020. Some of whom have been going to exile with criminal charges. Their reasons for leaving Hong Kong are mixed: on the one hand, they hope to weasel out of their potential legal responsibilities in the riots; on the other hand, they wish to escape from their unsatisfied life. It is a coward mentality. Even if they have emigrated, they might still bear grudge against the status quo, and find difficulties to adapt to life in an unfamiliar place. Small frustrations in the U.S. will make them feel aggrieved.
Most of the new entrants are neither well-educated nor professional. Upon arrival, they naturally are in a disadvantaged position and are less competitive to adapt to the job market. The unfortunates have to compete for low-end jobs such as ride-hailing drivers, cleansing workers, food delivery servicemen, and so forth, to sustain their living. In this connection, this group of new entrants is competing with Americans and other immigrants in the job market and social welfare. Gradually, sentiments among Americans and other immigrants towards the Hong Kong entrants will grow. As the employment situation deteriorates, the problem will become more acute. These new entrants could not make many contributions.
Owing to some reasons, these new entrants find it hard to fit into U.S. society. Before coming to foreign countries like the U.S., they may have high expectations of material and social life. However, when they arrive, they soon encounter the hurdles such as language barriers, cultural shock, discrimination, homesickness, and the list goes on. If the reality falls short of the expectations, they will be even more depressed. Social exclusion would result, should these new entrants could not integrate into society well. It is not an isolated incident, but a phenomenon.
Frequent occurrence of conflicts is one of the outcomes. The overseas Hongkongers’ associations have been zealously organising marches and demonstrations in U.K. and U.S. The events often ended up with confrontations and even physical conflicts.
Following the example of the Hong Kong Independence Organization in the UK, the “US Hongkongers Club” protested at the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco on 18 October 2022. In fact, it was intended to gain attention and rush into the media headlines. This kind of behavior is like a beam-jumping clown. They keep on playing lip service and seeking the protagonist aura. In a more pragmatic manner, why don’t they do some local charity to help people better adapt to the working and living environment there? Such unrealistic verbal party would only harm the American society without substantial contribution. Their bebavior is tantamount to the foe of American society.
