"We have little illusion about our chance of success … but we simply refuse to let #HongKong succumb to tyranny. We try anything and everything; we soldier on,” it said. -LIHKG statement. theguardian.com/world/2020/may…
While I admire and honor anyone who chooses to remain in Hong Kong under siege by the fascist #CCP, sometimes tactical retreat is a smart move. I hope activists who can live to fight another day by getting out of #HK do so and are honored to equal degree. #BeWater #DontGetCaught
Look at the #FalunGong - they have regrouped outside of China and are doing massive damage to the CCP through public education and support to anti-CCP electoral candidates in the USA. That is arguably more effective if you have the option than sitting in a CCP prison.
I'm no lawyer, but I think Hong Kongers can go the USA and apply for asylum based on fear of persecution due to political belief. Examples from Latin America should I think apply to those who have publicly advocated for democracy in the past. rescue.org/article/it-leg…
US asylum law is here: law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/8/…
The value of Hong Kong is in its citizens. If the US, UK and Taiwan get the cream of the crop (including the brave freedom fighters regardless of how much money they have) then we win and China loses.
China is already trying to stop BNO holders from getting UK citizenship. bbc.co.uk/news/uk-528423…
There's a chance that China could confiscate passports and control exit from the #HongKong airport at some point. China confiscated passports and severely restricted exit from China for Uyghurs, pressuring those already abroad to return.
Leaving family or property in China is a big risk as the CCP uses it to pressure those Uyghurs and Tibetans who live abroad or have fled. If Hongkongers flee, they should try to take everything with them, including wealth and family.
Once Trump removes Hong Kong's status as autonomous, there is no reason for Beijing to continue treating the city nicely. At that point the situation of anyone who had been a democracy supporter in the past could deteriorate very rapidly.
If a Hong Konger wants asylum but can't afford to move, and is at risk due to political beliefs, he or she could reach out to nonprofit groups, churches, and others to ask for help in the transition process.
