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The U.S. government will begin revoking visas for some Chinese international students, including those studying in sensitive academic disciplines, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Wednesday, marking a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s effort to restrict Chinese influence in American higher education.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, the U.S. State Department will work with the Department of Homeland Security to aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields,” Rubio said in a written statement.
The administration will also revise visa screening procedures to expand scrutiny of all applicants from China and Hong Kong, further tightening the pipeline that has made China one of the largest sources of international students in the U.S.
China Responds with Sharp Criticism
Beijing condemned the U.S. decision, calling it politically motivated and discriminatory.
“The U.S. has unreasonably cancelled Chinese students’ visas under the pretext of ideology and national rights,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters. “China firmly opposes this and has lodged serious representations with the U.S.”
More than 270,000 Chinese students attended U.S. colleges and universities during the 2023–24 academic year, making up about a quarter of all international students, second only to India.
Heightened Scrutiny of U.S.-China Academic Ties
The decision comes amid growing Republican concern over Chinese government access to American research institutions. Just this month, GOP lawmakers demanded that Duke University sever ties with a Chinese partner university, alleging national security risks tied to joint research programs.
In 2023, House Republicans released a report warning that China could gain “back-door access” to sensitive U.S. defense research through federally funded university partnerships.
“The Chinese Communist Party is exploiting the openness of American universities to advance its technological capabilities,” Rubio said. “We must take a tougher stance.”
Expanded Vetting and Temporary Halt to Student Visas
Rubio’s announcement coincided with new State Department guidance instructing embassies and consulates to pause all new student visa interviews. A diplomatic cable cited the need to prepare for “expanded social media vetting” of visa applicants from China.
The Trump administration has increasingly targeted international students as part of its broader national security posture. Federal agencies have attempted to revoke the legal status of thousands of foreign students — often over minor infractions — though a federal judge recently blocked those efforts.
Trump Targets Harvard, International Student Populations
President Trump on Wednesday also once again turned his attention to Harvard University, criticizing the Ivy League institution for enrolling too many international students.
“I want to make sure the foreign students are people that can love our country,” Trump said. He argued that elite schools like Harvard should limit international enrollment to 15%, down from current levels of about 25%.
Earlier this week, the Trump administration unsuccessfully tried to halt all international student enrollments at Harvard, citing concerns about the university’s handling of pro-Palestinian protests. A federal judge intervened, blocking the effort.
Wider Impact and Growing Uncertainty
The new visa crackdown and vetting delays have intensified an atmosphere of uncertainty for international students in the U.S., many of whom contribute significantly to university research, tuition revenue, and cultural diversity.
Critics argue the latest policies risk alienating future scholars, harming innovation, and damaging the global standing of U.S. higher education.
