Sheldon X. Zhang, Chinese Human Smuggling Organizations

C hinese Human Smuggling Organizations has two main objectives, both of which are met.First, with empirical data, the author exposes the inner workings of Chinese human smuggling organizations.Second, he analyzes the process by which "ordinary" citizens are able to turn human smuggling into a global business operating within a "hostile and uncertain market environment" (p.xvi).This book provides details and analysis seldom found in research pertaining to criminal organizations.The book is on "smuggling" rather than "trafficking" of immigrants, using the United Nations distinction in which "smuggling" involves the willing participation of the illegal migrant (even when conditions may not be as promised), rather than the involuntary participation and violation of human rights implied by "human trafficking" (p.22).Zhang uses the term "snakehead" for anyone who brokers services and facilitates the illegal entry of persons into foreign countries.A number of characteristics set this book apart from other studies of illegal migration.Most important is the methodology.While other researchers, such as Ko-lin Chin (whose work is used and acknowledged by Zhang), have interviewed those who have been smuggled, this research involves face-to-face interviews with the actual smugglers themselves in addition to field observation and an analysis of government documents and press reports.The book begins with a solid review of the history of legal and illegal China-to-US immigration.To study illegal migration one must understand the context: political, economic, and social environments; the motivations of the illegal migrating populations and of legal migrant groups; and the identity of those who exploit and/or are serviced by the illegal migrants.Macro and cultural factors explain the "push" to the US from China, as well as factors unique to Fujian, such as transitions within China and the end of the bukou system that allowed Chinese citizens to change residences without permission from the authorities (p.19).Fujian also has a long history of sea-based smuggling, secret societies, and outward migration

China · Criminology · Political science · Sociology · Zhàng · Law · Sex work and related issues