The Trump administration announced on Wednesday plans to “aggressively” revoke visas held by Chinese students, who represent one of the largest groups of international attendees at American universities.
This move marks a significant escalation in the administration’s efforts targeting higher education.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed the decision, following China’s criticism of the earlier suspension of global student visa appointments.
The administration has also targeted international students at Harvard University, which has resisted pressure from the White House related to student protests.
Rubio stated, “We will aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, especially those linked to the Chinese Communist Party or studying sensitive fields.”
He added that visa criteria for applicants from China and Hong Kong will be tightened to increase scrutiny.
Chinese students have long been vital to U.S. universities, which depend on the full tuition fees they pay.
In the 2023-24 academic year, China sent 277,398 students to the U.S., though India recently surpassed China in numbers.
During his previous term, Trump targeted Chinese students mainly in sensitive areas or with military connections.
Rubio’s recent statement suggests a broader crackdown, although the full scope remains unclear.
China’s foreign ministry urged the U.S. to protect the rights of international students. Meanwhile, Rubio has revoked thousands of visas, particularly for students involved in activism critical of Israel.
A directive from Rubio last Tuesday instructed U.S. embassies to halt new student visa appointments pending further guidance.
The policy also impacts students from allied countries, causing anxiety among prospective international students. For example, a Taiwanese PhD student preparing to study in California expressed uncertainty over the visa delay.
Trump has been critical of Harvard University for resisting federal oversight related to admissions and hiring, accusing it of fostering anti-Semitism and “woke” ideology.
A judge temporarily blocked the order barring foreign students, coinciding with Harvard’s graduation ceremony.
The White House has also cut federal research funding to Harvard and other elite universities, shifting focus toward trade schools and state institutions that promote “American values” and job skills, according to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Some students worry these policies may deter international enrollment.
“Six years is a long time,” said Jack, a British history of medicine student graduating this week, uncertain if he would pursue a PhD under current conditions.
Harvard has launched multiple legal challenges against the administration’s measures.