US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday that the country will begin revoking visas of Chinese students, particularly those connected to the Chinese Communist Party or enrolled in critical academic fields.
“The US will begin revoking visas of Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields,” Rubio stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Tighter Rules Amid Rising Tensions
This policy move comes amid escalating tensions between the US and China. The stricter measures align with former President Donald Trump’s ongoing trade and education policies, which emphasize national security and economic independence.
China has remained a central focus in Trump’s broader trade war strategy that has rattled global markets, disrupted supply chains, and raised alarms about a possible economic downturn.
Sharp Decline in Chinese Student Numbers
As a result of strained bilateral relations and increased visa scrutiny, the number of Chinese students in the US dropped from a peak of 370,000 in 2019 to about 277,000 in 2024.
The US State Department has also introduced new guidelines to intensify background checks on international students, especially those applying to STEM and sensitive research programs. These checks are part of Trump’s broader efforts to tighten foreign student admissions.
