You are comparing the incomparables. In the past, Vietnamese was very poor and there was no tourism. The only way to flee was by boat.
Now, anyone who wants to go illegally to a country to work (mostly from poor North Central region, including Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri provinces) like to South Korea, would buy an air ticket with tourist visa to Korea. After reaching South Korea airport, they will simply disappear. Same with people who want to go to Russia. Those killed in truck accident to the UK 2 years ago were Vietnamese who already lived in Europe, not from Vietnam.
Why Chinese, who are much richer than Vietnamese, wanting to immigrate illegally to the US is still a big question. Chinese tourists are welcomed everywhere. If someone wants to immigrate to the US illegally, there are certainly easier ways to do, rather than flying to South America as a tourist, then trekking illegally via Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico without speaking either Spanish or English (If they can speak any, they are already needed in China).
Chinese nationals need a travel visa to get into the US. The ones that successfully do get one do your route and simply overstay. However many can’t pass the visa requirements and in desperation have to figure out another way to get in. These are the ones that you see hiking through jungles or being thrown out of speed boats. They cross the border and many get picked up by car by relatives who were able to previously get in.
ChatGPT answers:
There are various reasons why Chinese nationals, like citizens of any other country, might be denied a travel visa to the United States. Some common reasons include:
1. Inadequate documentation: If the applicant fails to provide the required documents or sufficient evidence to support their travel purpose, the visa application may be denied.
2. Lack of ties to home country: If the consular officer believes that the applicant does not have strong ties to their home country, such as a stable job, family, or property, they may see the applicant as a potential risk for overstaying their visa in the US.
3. Previous visa violations: A history of visa violations or previous overstays in the US can negatively impact a new visa application.
4. Criminal record: Applicants with certain criminal convictions or who are deemed to pose a security risk may be denied a visa.
5. Ineligibility for the chosen visa category: If the applicant does not meet the specific requirements for the visa category they are applying for, their application may be denied.
6. Insufficient financial means: The applicant must demonstrate that they have enough financial resources to cover their travel expenses while in the US. If the consular officer deems their financial situation inadequate, it may lead to a visa denial.
7. Providing false information: Any misrepresentation or providing false information on the visa application can result in a visa denial.
It’s important to note that visa decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, and the final decision rests with the consular officer reviewing the application. If an applicant is denied a visa, they should receive a written explanation stating the reason for the denial, and they may be able to reapply if their circumstances change or they can address the issues that led to the initial denial.