The Trump administration announced on Wednesday plans to “aggressively” revoke visas held by Chinese students, a group that represents a significant source of revenue for American higher education institutions.
This move is part of a wider campaign targeting U.S. universities.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the declaration following China’s criticism of the recent temporary suspension of student visa appointments worldwide.
The administration has also targeted international students at Harvard University, which has resisted presidential pressure over campus protests.
Rubio stated that the government will revoke visas for Chinese nationals, particularly those linked to the Chinese Communist Party or engaged in critical academic fields.
He also said visa application requirements would be tightened to scrutinize future applicants from China and Hong Kong more thoroughly.
International students from China have historically contributed substantially to U.S. university finances by paying full tuition.
In the 2023-24 academic year, China sent 277,398 students to the U.S., though India recently surpassed China in numbers, according to a report by the Institute of International Education backed by the State Department.
During Trump’s previous term, restrictions mainly focused on Chinese students in sensitive areas or with military affiliations.
It remains unclear whether Rubio’s latest statement signals a significant intensification of these policies.
China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning urged the U.S. to protect the rights of international students, including those from China.
Rubio has already canceled thousands of visas, especially targeting students involved in activism critical of Israel.
A recent directive from Rubio instructed U.S. embassies and consulates to halt new student and exchange visa appointments until new screening procedures, including social media reviews, are implemented.
These policies have also caused anxiety among students from countries allied with the U.S.
A Taiwanese PhD student expecting to study in California expressed uncertainty about the visa suspension but hoped for the best as the semester approaches.
The Trump administration has expressed frustration with Harvard University for resisting oversight demands amid allegations that the institution fosters anti-Semitic and overly liberal “woke” ideologies.
A judge temporarily halted the ban on foreign students ahead of a hearing and the university’s graduation ceremony.
Additionally, Harvard and several other top-tier U.S. universities have lost federal research funding due to these conflicts.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained the administration’s preference to redirect taxpayer funds towards trade schools, state universities, and programs that emphasize American values and skills relevant to the economy.
Some Harvard students voiced concern that such policies could deter international students from pursuing studies in the U.S.
Jack, a British student graduating with a history of medicine degree, questioned whether he would choose to pursue a PhD in the U.S. under the current climate.
Harvard continues to challenge the Trump administration’s measures through legal channels.