Chinese students expressing apprehension and fury following Rubio's promise to cancel visas
U.S. INTENDS TO REVOKE VISAS FOR SOME CHINESE STUDENTS
Washington D.C. - Chinese students studying in the United States are experiencing a wave of uncertainty following a recent announcement by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The U.S. plans to revoke visas for Chinese students, specifically those with ties to the Chinese Communist Party or pursuing studies in critical fields.
China ranks as the second-largest country of origin for international students in America, surpassed only by India. During the 2023-2024 academic year, over 270,000 Chinese students studied in the U.S., comprising approximately a quarter of all foreign students in the country.
Linqin, a Chinese student at Johns Hopkins University, echoes concerns about the visas revocation. He likened the move to an updated version of the 19th-century Chinese Exclusion Act, which restricted Chinese immigration and prevented naturalization of Chinese citizens. Addressing the matter with apprehension, Linqin claimed that he had never previously considered leaving the U.S. before Wednesday's announcement.
Tensions between the U.S. and China have long simmered over the issue of Chinese students studying abroad. During Trump's presidency, China's Ministry of Education had warned students of potential visa issues, as rejection rates and visa durations shortened.
Last year, the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the treatment of Chinese students at U.S. airports, with some being unfairly interrogated and sent back. Chinese state media has also portrayed the U.S. as a potentially dangerous location for its citizens due to reports of gun violence and violent protests during the pandemic.
As a result of these tensions, some Chinese students have opted to study in the U.K., as well as other countries, after the pandemic. Zou Renge, a University of Chicago graduate student, plans to postpone overseas work assignments due to the uncertain climate caused by the visas revocation.
In apparent response to the U.S.'s decision, Hong Kong's leader John Lee announced that the city would welcome Chinese students affected by American policies, stating it was an opportunity for Hong Kong to extend its educational offerings. Hong Kong, a former British colony, is popular among mainland Chinese students seeking an international education due to its reputation for academic freedom.
With regards to the economic impact, the decision to revoke visas for Chinese students can significantly affect California, potentially impacting up to 50,000 students. The loss of these students could result in economic losses for universities such as UC and Cal State, as international students contribute significantly to the regional economy.
Reporting by Fu Ting in Washington D.C., Kanis Leung, and Huizhong Wu in Bangkok. Associated Press researcher Shihuan Chen and video producer Olivia Zhang contributed to this report from Beijing.
Fu Ting, Kanis Leung, and Huizhong Wu, The Associated Press.
- Chinese students protested against the U.S.'s decision to revoke visas for students with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, invoking comparisons to the 19th-century Chinese Exclusion Act.
- Amidst this tension, education-and-self-development platforms witnessed a surge in discussions about alternative routes for Chinese students seeking citizenship, with education-abroad destinations like the U.K. and other countries gaining favor.
- As video clips of Chinese students expressing their concerns went viral on general-news social media channels, calls to action addressed U.S. politics, urging for a more inclusive response to the crisis.
- In the face of uncertainty, some Chinese students reconsidered plans for education-and-self-development, recognizing the implications for their future citizenship and career opportunities in the environment sector, technology, and other critical fields.
