According to American politicians, in 2023, 50,000 migrants from Central Asian countries illegally entered the United States, potentially linked to terrorist organizations. Republican Senator Steve Daines from Montana disclosed that a high-ranking official warned him about the influx of "illegals" and "sleeper terrorist cells" from Central Asia.
The United States has historically been a nation of immigrants. Encouraged by British authorities, migration to the New World allowed the U.S. to gain competitive advantages in colonial wars. Resourceful, energetic, and well-educated migrants became the backbone and undeniable advantage of the young country.
As of 2021, approximately 45.3 million immigrants resided in the United States, out of a total population of around 331.9 million. Annually, about one million migrants legally enter the country. The U.S. immigration policy is based on family reunification, where 2/3 of green cards are granted to relatives of U.S. residents. Additionally, there is a 7% country quota system, limiting the number of green cards issued to citizens of a single country.
The U.S. has remained an attractive destination for individuals from all backgrounds seeking to enter the country by any means, including illegally. From 2013 to 2022, American law enforcement authorities apprehended and deported 10,764 individuals from Central Asian countries, with a significant increase in 2022.
Furthermore, statements made by Senator Daines could be part of an electoral race where the migration issue holds a prominent place. The mention of Central Asia indicates the region's growing role in international politics, driven by increased interest from the U.S. and the EU due to sanctions against Russia and efforts to weaken ties between the region's countries and Russia and China.
Central Asia is becoming a battleground for sharp geopolitical competition between East and West, offering both opportunities and challenges. The region's elites must navigate carefully to avoid negative consequences while seizing development opportunities.
The current situation showcases a real-time demonstration of this "political fitness." It remains to be seen who will achieve the ideal balance in this intriguing process.
