Trump Reassures Chinese Students Amid Visa Crackdown Concerns

By Vaidant June 24, 2025
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In a surprising shift in tone, former US President Donald Trump has declared that Chinese students remain welcome at American universities, just weeks after his administration signalled an aggressive visa crackdown targeting Chinese nationals in sensitive academic fields.

Trump’s statement was issued via his social media platform, Truth Social, following what he described as “productive talks” with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The discussions reportedly led to a new trade arrangement involving rare earth supplies and high tariffs, but notably included a clause permitting Chinese students to continue their education in the United States.

“Chinese students using our colleges and universities… has always been good with me!” Trump wrote, announcing the deal, which awaits final approval.

This apparent policy U-turn follows earlier directives from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had called for stricter visa scrutiny for students linked to the Chinese Communist Party or involved in advanced research fields such as artificial intelligence.

China had sharply criticised the move, describing it as discriminatory and damaging to the United States’ international standing. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning accused Washington of undermining its own narrative of freedom and openness.

Although Chinese students constitute the second-largest group of international students in the US around 277,000, second only to India, strained diplomatic relations and increased security concerns have shifted student mobility trends.

Recent incidents, including arrests of Chinese researchers in the US for allegedly smuggling biological materials, along with legislative restrictions in states such as Ohio, Texas, and Florida, have heightened apprehension among Chinese students.

With ongoing visa uncertainty, many are reportedly considering alternative destinations such as the United Kingdom and Australia, seeking greater stability and a more welcoming academic climate.

US universities, particularly in California, have reaffirmed their support for Chinese students, citing their vital contributions to research and campus diversity.

Nevertheless, visa screening processes have intensified, now including assessments of applicants’ social media and online activities, as the US resumes in-person student visa interviews worldwide.

Source: THE PIE NEWS

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