U.S. authorities planning to discontinue visas for Chinese students. - The U.S. administration intends to rescind visas for Chinese scholars and students.
U.S. to Revoke Visas for Chinese Students with CCP Ties and Studying in Critical Fields
Washington plans to revoke visas for Chinese students studying in the United States and tighten entry rules for future applicants from the People's Republic. Initially, it remains unclear how many students will be affected by the withdrawal of residence permits and whether there will be any exceptions.
According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the State Department, in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security, will work to "aggressively deny visas to Chinese students." This includes those with ties to the Chinese Communist Party or those studying in fields deemed critical.
The planned measure will also involve a stricter review of visa criteria for all applicants from China and Hong Kong moving forward. Rubio further expressed that the review will be extensive, potentially making it harder for new students from these regions to obtain visas.
The decision has caused concern in China, with the Foreign Ministry filing a complaint, accusing the U.S. of being discriminatory. Spokeswoman Mao Ning in Beijing stated that the U.S.’s discriminatory actions exposed the "lie of freedom and openness" that the U.S. always proudly advertised.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, there were approximately 277,000 Chinese students enrolled at U.S. universities, making China the second-largest group of international students after India. International students represent a significant source of income for many U.S. universities due to their higher tuition fees.
The U.S. government also plans to subject future foreign students and participants in exchange programs to stricter scrutiny, with the Department of State instructing U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to temporarily halt new visits for visa applications. Details regarding future instructions and implementation are still under consideration.
The new rules constitute an escalation of efforts by the current administration to tighten immigration and student visas concerning China, reflecting a shift in policy initiated during the Trump era. The administration maintains that these measures are essential to protect U.S. national security and prioritize American interests.
- The US community policy, as highlighted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, includes plans to aggressively deny visas to Chinese students with ties to the Chinese Communist Party or those studying in critical fields, as part of a broader strategy to protect US national security and prioritize American interests.
- Under the new US employment policy, Chinese students studying in the United States may face visa revocation, particularly those with links to the Chinese Communist Party or pursuing degrees in critical fields. This change comes as part of a wider tightening of entry rules for future applicants from China and Hong Kong.
- In light of the planned US policy and legislation changes, the education-and-self-development opportunities for Chinese students in the United States may face significant restrictions, as the US government implements stricter visa criteria for applicants from China and Hong Kong, potentially affecting thousands of students in the general-news cycle ahead.
