U.S. Visa Policy Shift Alarms Chinese Students, Sparks Accusations of Discrimination

Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Left-Leaning

Why: Emphasis on student voices, criticism of U.S. government policy, and inclusion of perspectives from Chinese authorities suggest a tone sympathetic to those affected.

U.S. to Revoke Visas of Some Chinese Students

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Wednesday that the government will begin revoking visas of some Chinese students, citing concerns over national security and links to the Chinese Communist Party. Students enrolled in “critical fields” are among those potentially impacted.

This marks a sharp turn in U.S. policy, affecting thousands of students from China currently studying in American institutions.

“New Chinese Exclusion Act,” Say Students

The move triggered immediate concern within the Chinese student community. Linqin, a student at Johns Hopkins University, called it a “new version of the Chinese Exclusion Act,” referring to the historical 1882 law that banned Chinese laborers from entering the U.S. He said for the first time in years, he’s considering leaving the country.

More than 270,000 Chinese students were enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities during the 2023–2024 academic year, nearly a quarter of all international students.

China Calls Policy “Discriminatory”

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning condemned the decision on Thursday, calling it “unreasonable” and “discriminatory.” She said the move contradicts the U.S.’s claims to support freedom and openness. Beijing has officially lodged a protest with Washington.

Tensions over student visas are not new. In 2019, China’s Ministry of Education warned of increasing U.S. visa rejections and shorter validity periods. Last year, China protested the treatment of some students allegedly interrogated or sent back upon arrival in the U.S.

Rising Uncertainty for Students

Zou Renge, a graduate student in public policy at the University of Chicago, had plans to work in humanitarian aid abroad after graduation. She’s now considering staying in the U.S. instead, fearing she may not be allowed back in.

Another student, Chen, who was accepted at Purdue University, remains in China awaiting his visa. He expressed frustration and disappointment: “I was expecting freedom and tolerance.”

Hong Kong and Others See Opportunity

Some regions are using the U.S. policy change to attract talent. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said Thursday the city is ready to welcome students who feel “discriminated against” in the U.S. He called it an opportunity for Hong Kong’s universities.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology also promoted a transfer option for Harvard students — a post that went viral following prior comments by former President Trump about restricting international enrollment at elite universities.

Hong Kong remains a popular destination for Chinese students due to its global reputation and semi-autonomous status. In 2022, the city introduced new visa pathways to attract talent after an exodus driven by COVID-19 and the 2020 national security law.

Students Look to Alternatives

Education consultancies in Hong Kong, including Litz USA Student Service and AAS Education Consultancy, report increased interest in universities in the U.K. and Australia. Some students are shifting applications away from the U.S. due to uncertainty around future visa policies.

“Things are different every day now,” said Kitty Wu, Litz USA’s director. “We don’t know the impact for next year.”

China May Retain More Talent

Some academics in China see the situation as beneficial for domestic institutions. Zhang Qi, a Beijing-based post-doctoral researcher, said the policy could redirect talent to top Chinese universities like Tsinghua and Peking, boosting local scientific and technological development.

Tense U.S.-China Education Relations

Chinese state media have long highlighted safety concerns in the U.S., including gun violence and civil unrest. Combined with tightening U.S. policies, this has led some Chinese families to view studying in the U.S. as risky.

With both diplomatic and student-level repercussions, the policy is the latest flashpoint in a growing list of tensions between Washington and Beijing. For many affected students, the future remains unclear.