U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday that the American government is set to begin canceling visas of Chinese students, including those studying in critical fields or linked to the Chinese Communist Party. Following India, China is the second-largest source of international students in the U.S. For the academic year 2023-2024, there were about 270,000 Chinese students in America, making up approximately one-quarter of all foreign students.
Source: aajtak
In a statement, Rubio said, "Under President Trump's leadership, the State Department, in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security, will aggressively work to cancel visas of Chinese students tied to the Chinese Communist Party or involved in critical fields of study."
This move is a reaction to mounting pressure on American universities to sever ties with China. House Republicans recently urged Duke University to end its partnership with a Chinese university, arguing that the collaboration provided Chinese students access to vital U.S.-funded research.
Donald Trump vs. Harvard
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has temporarily barred Harvard University from admitting new international students, accusing the school of 'coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party' through research partnerships. DHS also alleges Harvard trained members of a Chinese paramilitary group.
Rubio's announcement followed the government's order to halt visa interviews for new international students pending stringent applicant vetting.
Meanwhile, addressing reporters at the White House Oval Office, President Trump highlighted concerns about foreign students, stating, "We don't want to see explosions in shopping centers. We don't want riots like the ones you've caused, and many of these students, I tell you, haven't gone anywhere; they're agitators spawned by radical leftists."
The Trump administration's crackdown on international students has been at the center of controversy. Earlier this year, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested and attempted to deport students participating in protests, temporarily revoking thousands of international students' legal status before changing visa rules.
Harvard is at the center of this debate, with over 27% international students. Trump proposed reducing this to 15%, insisting, "I want to ensure that foreign students can love our country."
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Strict Visa Regulations
The U.S. government will also examine social media accounts of visa applicants. Since 2019, social media handles have been mandatory for visa seekers, but Rubio indicated that new rules will intensify scrutiny for those from China and Hong Kong.
The Trump administration halted a $2.2 billion federal funding grant to universities. Subsequently, it restricted Harvard’s ability to admit international students after the institution refused to share information about foreign students and address anti-Semitic incidents on campus. In response, Harvard has sued the administration over its actions.
