The United States government announced a new policy to revoke visas for certain Chinese students, particularly those with affiliations to the Chinese Communist Party or pursuing studies in sensitive fields. This move is part of a broader strategy to tighten immigration controls and address national security concerns.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on May 28, 2025, that the State Department will collaborate with the Department of Homeland Security to implement aggressive measures aimed at revoking visas issued to Chinese students. Additionally, the administration plans to revise visa application criteria to apply more rigorous scrutiny to all future visa requests from applicants in China and Hong Kong.
This policy shift comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and China. Since 2019, the population of Chinese international students in the U.S. has declined from approximately 370,000 to around 277,000 in 2024, influenced by increased diplomatic strain and stricter U.S. government oversight.
The Department of State recently issued directives enhancing vetting protocols for all foreign student and exchange visitor visa applicants. These steps build upon prior initiatives, including expanded social media screenings, reinforcing Washington’s commitment to a stringent immigration framework.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington has yet to comment on the recent announcements. The new visa revocation policy is expected to further affect the educational exchange landscape between the two countries amid ongoing geopolitical and economic frictions.
