For Chinese visa-seekers in the US, the path to good fortune lies in ... Chick-fil-A?
This story raises questions about governance, accountability, and American values.
The AP’s framing treats the Chick-fil-A punchline as a charming sign of cultural blending, as if immigration is mostly a story of shared menu items. It makes for a pleasant scene in Arlington. But it skips over why so many Chinese nationals are navigating the U.
New Republican Times Editorial Board
ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — On a recent weekend afternoon, at a Chinese comedy show in northern Virginia, the host asked the audience, “What food do you like?” The loudest answer echoed through the hall: “Chick-fil-A!”
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New Republican Times Editorial Board
The AP’s framing treats the Chick-fil-A punchline as a charming sign of cultural blending, as if immigration is mostly a story of shared menu items. It makes for a pleasant scene in Arlington. But it skips over why so many Chinese nationals are navigating the U.S. visa system in the first place, and what that means for a country that is not just a destination but a target.
Conservatives can enjoy the irony of Mandarin jokes about a Southern chicken chain while still insisting on serious vetting. China is a strategic competitor with a record of espionage and influence operations, and our immigration policy has to reflect that reality.
A welcoming society depends on the rule of law and public trust. If the process looks casual or performative, support erodes for everyone. The principle is simple: cultural assimilation is fine, but national security is not a punchline.
Commentary written with AI assistance by the New Republican Times Editorial Board.