Many Chinese students studying in the United States are now unsure about their future. The U.S. government recently said it would cancel some student visas and look more closely at new applications from China and Hong Kong.
As a result, stress and fear have grown among students already in the U.S., and among those planning to come.
One student affected is Jerry*, a 22-year-old studying applied mathematics at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He has a place in a master’s program in health data science at Harvard University, starting this autumn.
However, after the U.S. government tried to stop Harvard from enrolling new international students, Jerry became worried. Even though a court has blocked the rule for now, other new rules still threaten his plans.
Jerry said the actions felt unfair. “It’s total discrimination,” he said. “They are pushing Chinese students to go elsewhere.”
Therefore, Jerry is now thinking about going to Oxford University in the UK instead. “Many students who got into Harvard don’t have backup options. I’m lucky to have one,” he added.
Other Students Also Worried
Steven*, a 34-year-old Chinese PhD student at the University of Oregon, shares this fear. He has been in the U.S. for ten years. Even though he is not applying for a new visa now, he’s scared of being stopped by immigration officers.
“Even if you have a green card, ICE might still catch you,” he said, referring to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
Recently, ICE detained Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate and pro-Palestine activist, even though he had a green card. He is now fighting deportation.
As a result, stories like this make other students feel unsafe too.
A Shift in Student Choices
Meanwhile, Steven said fewer Chinese students want to come to the U.S. these days. In his part-time job, helping students with college applications, he sees more choosing places like Singapore.
“The U.S. just doesn’t feel friendly anymore,” he said.
Because Chinese students face visa issues in America, this is changing how families think. Before, studying in the U.S. was a big dream. Now, it feels risky and stressful.
Universities Respond
Many U.S. universities are trying to calm student fears.
For example, the University of Oregon sent a message to Chinese students. It said that losing a visa doesn’t affect your current status in the U.S. However, it warned that ICE might still begin deportation steps.
This warning made many students more worried instead of feeling safer.
The Numbers Are Falling
In the 2023–2024 academic year, about 277,400 Chinese students were in the U.S. That is a 25% drop from 2019–2020.
This sharp decline hurts U.S. colleges. Chinese students often pay full tuition, which helps schools fund research and programs.
Furthermore, many of them also study in science and technology fields, which are important for the U.S. economy.
Denis Simon, an expert at the Quincy Institute, said that blocking Chinese students could hurt the country.
“It will damage American universities, companies, and research,” he said. “We are losing top talent.”
Fear of Being Treated Unfairly
The U.S. government said it is targeting students linked to China’s military or the Chinese Communist Party.
For years, the U.S. has tried to stop spying in universities. However, some believe this effort has turned into racism.
Now, Chinese students and researchers feel they are being treated with suspicion, even when they have done nothing wrong.
Jerry said he felt safe on campus. However, outside of school, he has seen signs of discrimination. He believes that if more Chinese students and scholars leave, it will be bad for American education.
Looking for Better Options
Now, Chinese students face visa issues in America and must decide what to do. As a result, many are choosing to study in countries that feel safer and more welcoming.
Jerry still hopes to attend Harvard. But if he cannot, he is ready to move to the UK.
“I came here for an education,” he said. “But now politics are getting in the way.”
Courtesy of The Guardian
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