Crypto · Fortune Technology
Why Chinese immigrants to America love Chick-fil-A so much
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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!”
Key facts
- More than 46,000 Chinese students and workers were approved for H-1B visas in 2024
- The Trump administration’s abrupt decision to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas a few months ago stunned Chinese students and workers, created chaos and fostered a more chilling atmosphere
- Since arriving in the United States as a student 14 years ago, Zhou has had a roller-coaster experience with his visa status
- STEM majors are eligible for three years of optional practical training under their F-1 student visa, while other majors are eligible for one year
Summary
It’s an easy-to-get joke in the Chinese student community, where those eager for U.S. visas believe their chances at success might hinge upon something unexpected: an American chicken sandwich and the company behind it. “It feels like I am one step closer to the green card after having a Chick-fil-A meal,” says Zhou Yilu, an AI software engineer in his late 30s who lives in Wilmington, Delaware. Since arriving in the United States as a student 14 years ago, Zhou has had a roller-coaster experience with his visa status.