‘There’s nothing to be ashamed of’: why Chinese Americans are taking to the streets to back Trump

Support for ‘family values’ and a tough stance on illegal immigration are among the issues resonating with supporters of the Republicans’ presidential candidate.

At first glance, the crowd outside Trump Tower on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue could be protesters.

With only days to go until the US presidential election, hundreds of people holding banners and flags hand out fliers and chant slogans.

But a second look at the “Make America Great Again” signs and the red T-shirts with “Chinese Americans love Trump” in English and Chinese make it all clear.

“Is that a protest?” a passer-by asked. “No, wait … Chinese Americans for Trump.”

Chinese American supporters of Trump and Clinton face off in debate of their own

The event in support of Republican candidate Donald Trump was organised by the New York branch of “Chinese Americans for Trump”, a grassroots volunteer group forged in the heat of this year’s campaign.

The participants in the rally were mainly Chinese immigrants from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. They were mostly middle aged or older and seemed a little uncomfortable trying to explain their support for Trump to passers-by.

But they went out on the streets to air their views on immigration and traditional values.

“We come out because we are very anxious and worried. The United States is in dangerous trouble and the result of this election is critical to us,” retired businesswoman Fu Xiaobo said.

She said the danger was caused by the Democratic Party, with President Barack Obama’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender policies undermining traditional family values and an “open immigration policy” ruining the country’s economy and order.

Why are recent Chinese immigrants supporting Trump?

Lucy Liu, holding a sign saying “Support Trump, Keep Law and Order”, said immigration was also one of her concerns.

Liu said she had witnessed the refugee crisis and terrorist attacks in Paris and did not want the United States to become like Europe.

“I don’t want so many illegal immigrants. They just take so many more social benefits than they pay. We are legal immigrants. We love this country. We work hard and we make contributions,” she shouted at passers-by.

Hong Kong-born Steven Cheung, a real estate broker in his 70s, said Chinese were traditionally very wary of public displays of political views, but he wanted to stand up for his children’s future.

“People should step forward. There is nothing to be ashamed of,” Cheung said. “I vote for policy, not personality.”

T/H: SCMP