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A Chinese content creator known as "Teacher Ding" has become a polarizing figure after gaining over a million followers by documenting his life as a homeless person in the United States. His journey, which has captivated audiences both in China and abroad, comes at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to implement mass deportations of illegal immigrants, reigniting debates over immigration policy.
Lei, whose real surname is Ding and who hails from Luzhou in China’s Sichuan Province, has a complicated past. Before arriving in the U.S., Lei had a criminal record in China, including a conviction for theft, and limited formal education. Despite these challenges, he has successfully built a massive online following by sharing his raw, unfiltered experiences navigating life in America as an undocumented immigrant. His catchphrase, "Iron brothers, I love telling the truth," has become a staple of his social media persona.
Lei first gained notoriety within Los Angeles’s Chinese community after a controversial decision to report six Chinese restaurants for employing undocumented workers - a move that disrupted an unofficial norm among Chinese immigrants in the industry. Blacklisted from working in Chinese restaurants, Lei turned to social media, where he began creating content centered on his life as a homeless individual.
His videos provide a detailed look at Los Angeles’s homeless support systems, particularly the notorious Skid Row area. Lei shares reviews of food banks, charitable organizations, and government shelters, offering a unique perspective on the American social safety net. While he often criticizes the bland food provided by shelters, many of his Chinese followers express envy at the seemingly high standard of free assistance available in the U.S.
Interestingly, Lei’s portrayal of America is a mix of admiration and critique. He benefits from the country’s resources while highlighting issues like homelessness and inequality. This nuanced narrative resonates with his Chinese audience, many of whom view his experiences as evidence of America’s "decline." His strategic approach to seeking assistance, which includes using phrases like "God bless you" and "Miss, you are gorgeous," adds a layer of charisma to his content.
However, Lei’s growing fame has also attracted significant backlash. Critics, including many in the Chinese-American community, accuse him of exploiting American social systems while promoting a negative image of the country.
With Trump’s ongoing push for strict immigration policies and mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, Lei’s future in the U.S. is increasingly uncertain. Some netizens have even taken to tagging U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on social media, urging authorities to deport Lei. One viral post read: “Hey @ICEgovernment, please deport this illegal alien from China! He’s teaching others how to rip off the American system and getting paid thousands by @YouTube to do it.”
Despite the controversy, Lei’s online presence continues to grow. He recently obtained a community college student ID, which has allowed him to open a bank account, and received YouTube’s 100,000-subscriber plaque, signifying a significant milestone in content creation. His earnings are rumored to reach nearly $100,000 annually, thanks to ad revenue from his videos. Additionally, he has secured temporary housing through a homeless shelter program, marking a step toward stability.
Lei’s story exemplifies the complex intersection of immigration, social media, and opportunity. While some view him as a resourceful individual who turned hardship into success, others see him as an opportunist exploiting loopholes in both American and Chinese systems. His dual identity - presenting himself as Chinese to his online audience while often claiming to be Korean or Japanese in interactions with Americans - has further fueled debates about his intentions and ethics.
At the same time, Trump’s active immigration policies have intensified scrutiny on individuals like Lei. Trump has made immigration enforcement a cornerstone of his presidency, including measures aimed at mass deportations. His administration’s tough stance has reignited tensions, with critics accusing him of targeting vulnerable communities while supporters praise his commitment to upholding immigration laws. For Lei, the possibility of deportation looms larger than ever, adding urgency to his story.
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