The vast majority of boat people came from Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam and Cambodia, during the 1970s and 1980s. These individuals were fleeing political persecution, economic hardship, and armed conflict. They often undertook dangerous journeys across the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand in small, overcrowded boats. Many boat people perished at sea or were killed by pirates and smugglers.
China
Another significant group of boat people originated from China during the late 20th century. These individuals were primarily seeking economic opportunities and were fleeing the country's strict political controls. They often sailed to Hong Kong, which was then a British colony, in search of a better life.
Cuba
The term "boat people" has also been used to describe Cuban migrants who left the country in large numbers during the Mariel Boatlift of 1980. This exodus occurred after Fidel Castro's government announced that anyone who wanted to leave Cuba was free to do so. During the Mariel Boatlift, an estimated 125,000 Cubans left the country in a matter of months, many of them on small, makeshift boats.
Haiti
Haitian boat people have represented another prominent group, particularly in the 1990s. These individuals were often fleeing poverty, political instability, and natural disasters. They sailed across the treacherous Florida Straits in search of safety and opportunities in the United States.
It is important to note that the term "boat people" encompasses individuals from various countries and regions who embarked on perilous journeys across oceans and seas in search of better lives. The specific origins of boat people can vary depending on the historical context and geopolitical circumstances.