The Trump administration has announced a sweeping plan to aggressively revoke the visas of Chinese students in the United States, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Beijing and stirred alarm among international scholars.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that the visa cancellations would target students with alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party or those studying in fields deemed sensitive to national security. The administration also plans to revise visa application criteria for future Chinese and Hong Kong applicants, enhancing scrutiny and expanding social media vetting.
China swiftly condemned the move, saying it “firmly opposes” the policy and urged Washington to foster more constructive and cooperative bilateral relations. “We urge the US side to earnestly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of international students,” a Chinese official said.
The move comes amid rapidly deteriorating US-China relations, exacerbated by a prolonged trade war, pandemic-era tensions, and ideological conflicts. An estimated 280,000 Chinese students were studying in the US last year, making them the largest international student group, although their numbers have declined recently.
This latest visa action is part of broader measures by the Trump administration to limit foreign student access. The State Department has instructed US embassies globally to cancel open student visa appointments, while maintaining previously scheduled ones.
The policy shift has faced legal challenges. Harvard University recently won a temporary injunction against a government effort to revoke its ability to host international students. In a court filing, Harvard warned that the administration’s actions could cause “irreparable harm,” with students cancelling graduation ceremonies and travel, or seeking transfer due to fear and uncertainty.
Some Chinese students, already enrolled in US universities, expressed deep regret over their decision. “I already regret it,” said a 22-year-old master’s student from Shanghai.
Analysts warn the move could have long-term repercussions for US higher education, which relies heavily on international students for tuition revenue. It also raises questions about academic freedom and America’s global reputation as a destination for top talent.
As tensions escalate, the fate of thousands of Chinese students hangs in the balance caught in a geopolitical crossfire with deeply personal consequences.
