Chinese Citizen Huan Lin Sentenced for Illegal Entry to U.S.

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced a severe blow to illegal immigration with the sentencing of Huan Lin, a 41-year-old Chinese citizen. On July 18, 2025, following a swift one-day bench trial before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, Lin was convicted of illegally entering the United States.

Lin’s transgression came to light on April 18, 2025, when she was spotted near the U.S.-Canada border in Holland, Vermont, a mere quarter-mile south of the international boundary. She was discovered boarding a minivan with New York plates, seemingly destined for a ride. United States Border Patrol agents promptly intercepted the vehicle, where Lin, as the sole passenger, presented them with a Chinese passport containing a Canadian visa and a stamp indicating her entry into Canada seven days prior.

In her possessions were a trove of items indicative of illegal immigration: clothes, electronics chargers, foreign currency, and what appeared to be Chinese identification and bank cards. Border Patrol confirmed that Lin lacked any legal status in the United States.

Judge Doyle handed down a time-served sentence of approximately three months for Lin’s transgression. Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher lauded the collaborative efforts between United States Border Patrol and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, emphasizing their commitment to securing our borders.

The prosecution of this case was spearheaded by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher. Lin was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defenders Charles N. Curlett, Jr., and Emily Kenyon. This conviction is a significant victory for Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels, and transnational criminal organizations, as well as safeguarding our communities from violent crime.

Operation Take Back America streamlines resources from the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN), underscoring the comprehensive approach to national security. The sentencing of Huan Lin serves as a stark reminder of the consequences faced by those who attempt to breach our borders and violate American laws.