US to “Aggressively Revoke” Chinese Student Visas Amid Escalating Tensions

By Jace June 3, 2025
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In a move likely to deepen China-US tensions, the United States has announced it will “aggressively revoke” visas of Chinese students studying in the country. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio unveiled the new visa policy, stating it would put “America first, not China”.

The announcement, made at the NAFSA Conference 2025, confirms that the US Department of State will work alongside the Department of Homeland Security to begin revoking visas for Chinese nationals, particularly those with ties to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in fields deemed sensitive to national security.

Details about the scope or implementation of the revocations remain unclear. Even State Department officials at the conference admitted they were learning of developments at the same time as the media.

Rubio’s statement also included plans to tighten future visa screenings for applicants from both China and Hong Kong, citing national interest concerns.

China responded swiftly. Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, condemned the move, saying it severely harms the rights of Chinese students and exposes the hypocrisy of America’s so-called openness and freedom.

Chinese students form the second-largest group of international students in the US, representing nearly 25% of new enrolments in 2024. Industry stakeholders have reacted with concern, warning that the shift could cause long-term damage to America’s reputation as an education destination.

UK-based education advisor Susan Fang called the decision “deeply ideological” and warned that Chinese students are already moving away from the US. “Visa uncertainty, anti-China rhetoric and safety concerns are driving them to seek alternatives,” she said, adding that countries like the United Kingdom are well-positioned to step in and offer stability.

As relations between the US and China continue to fray over trade and national security issues, the impact of this policy may significantly alter global student mobility trends — with the UK likely to benefit from the fallout.

Source: THE PIE NEWS

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