Chinese Students React with Fear and Frustration as U.S. Plans Visa Revocations

HONG KONG — Thousands of Chinese students in the United States are on edge after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a sweeping new policy that could revoke the visas of students linked to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in sensitive academic fields.

The move, unveiled on Wednesday, has left many scrambling for answers and reconsidering their future in the U.S.

A Shockwave Through the Chinese Student Community

For Linqin, a Chinese student at Johns Hopkins University, the news was deeply unsettling. “This feels like a modern-day version of the Chinese Exclusion Act,” he said, referencing the 19th-century law that banned Chinese immigrants and blocked them from gaining citizenship. For the first time, he’s seriously considering leaving the U.S.—a country he’s called home for nearly a third of his life.

With over 270,000 Chinese students currently enrolled in American universities—making up about a quarter of all international students in the U.S.—the policy is expected to have far-reaching consequences.

Beijing Slams Move as Politically Motivated

China’s Foreign Ministry swiftly condemned the U.S. decision. Spokesperson Mao Ning called it “unreasonable” and accused Washington of hypocrisy. “This discriminatory action reveals the U.S. lie about freedom and openness,” she said, noting that China had formally lodged a protest.

Visa tensions between the two countries aren’t new. Back in 2019, during Trump’s presidency, China warned students of tightening visa restrictions and an uptick in rejections. And just last year, Beijing protested after several Chinese students were allegedly interrogated and deported upon arriving in the U.S.

Frustration and Uncertainty on Campus

The policy has upended plans for students like Zou Renge, a 27-year-old studying public policy at the University of Chicago. She had planned to work in humanitarian aid overseas after graduation. Now, she’s staying put.

“With all this uncertainty, I’m just trying to figure out a solution,” she said.

For others, the U.S. is no longer the dream destination it once was. State media in China continues to emphasize American gun violence and civil unrest, discouraging students from studying abroad. The ongoing strain in U.S.–China relations has led some students to instead choose schools in the U.K., Australia, or Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Sees an Opportunity

Sensing a moment to attract global talent, Hong Kong officials are extending an open hand. On Thursday, city leader John Lee said Hong Kong would welcome students “discriminated against by American policies.”

“This is an opportunity for Hong Kong,” Lee told lawmakers. “We’ll work with our universities to provide the best support.”

Universities across the city—including HKUST, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and City University—are already easing application processes for international students from elite U.S. institutions. HKUST even extended an invitation to Harvard students after former President Trump threatened their visa status.

Hong Kong, known for its academic freedom and international environment, has long been a preferred destination for mainland Chinese students. The city introduced a new visa scheme in 2022 to reverse an exodus of professionals and students during the COVID pandemic and after Beijing imposed a national security law.

Looking for a Way Forward

Education consultants like Will Kwong in Hong Kong say they’re now helping students with U.S. admission offers seek alternatives in the U.K. and Australia.

Meanwhile, some see the U.S. move as self-defeating.

“Fewer international exchanges will hurt America’s development,” said Zhang Qi, a postdoctoral researcher in Beijing. “This could actually benefit China by encouraging top talent to stay and contribute to local institutions like Tsinghua and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.”

And for those waiting to begin their U.S. education, the uncertainty is unbearable.

Chen, an incoming student at Purdue University, is still in China awaiting his visa. He’s frustrated and disillusioned.

“I thought the U.S. stood for freedom and diversity. But this feels like the opposite,” he said.