US Visa Crackdown: Tensions Rise for Chinese Students

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday that the country will begin revoking visas of certain Chinese students, particularly those linked to the Chinese Communist Party or engaged in critical fields. The move has sparked concerns among international students, as China is a major source of foreign scholars in the U.S.

In the 2023-2024 school year, Chinese students constitute around a quarter of the international student body in the United States. Rubio emphasized the government's intent to rigorously scrutinize Chinese students' social media activities, adding uncertainty for those looking to study in the country.

Fears of targeted visa revocations are prompting anxiety and changes in travel plans for some students, as the State Department introduces new guidelines for visa approvals. Meanwhile, American academic institutions express concern about the policy's potential detriment to the intellectual and cultural landscape of U.S. colleges.

(With inputs from agencies.)