SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – After suffering a series of violent assaults, an 87-year-old Chinese immigrant, Rongxin Liao, has decided to return to China for good. The former steel worker arrived in the US 24 years ago, hoping to start a new life for himself and his son after the death of his wife. However, Liao now finds the city of San Francisco to be a place of terror, prompting his decision to return to his home country.
Liao’s plans for a peaceful retirement in the US were shattered by the unrelenting violence he experienced in the crime-ridden city. His family, fearful for their safety, supported his decision to return to China. The elderly immigrant lamented that “Every day there is crime in San Francisco” and expressed his concern for the safety of the elderly population.
One notorious incident in March 2021 captured on video showed Liao being kicked out of his walker while waiting for a bus in the Tenderloin district. This attack left him with serious head injuries, resulting in hospitalization and multiple stitches. Another assault in October 2023, where he was repeatedly punched while visiting Walgreens for his medication, was the final straw for Liao and his family.
The rise in anti-Asian hate crimes in San Francisco, especially amidst prejudice about the Covid-19 pandemic, has further contributed to the safety concerns for Chinese immigrants. The resurgence of open-air drug markets and a surge in violent crimes have painted a grim picture of the city.
Liao, who became a figurehead for the successful recall election of San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin in 2022, sees no prospect of improvement in the city’s safety situation. As he bids farewell to his friends, he reflects on the reality that old people have to be extremely careful in a city plagued by an increase in violent crimes and drug-related issues.
As he prepares to leave the US, Liao’s decision serves as a somber reminder of the challenges faced by immigrants in pursuit of a better life, and the impact of rising crime rates on the vulnerable population.