Donald Trump Allows 600,000 Chinese Students Into U.S. Universities
President Donald Trump reversed tightened vetting policies to allow 600,000 Chinese students into the U.S., citing the necessity of international students for the American college system.
Donald Trump announced plans to allow 600,000 Chinese students into the United States, reversing a previous policy of tightened vetting. During a White House cabinet meeting, the president argued that the American college system would suffer significantly without international students and described the idea that students cannot come to the U.S. as insulting.
This reversal follows a June proclamation where the president characterized the student visa program as a national security risk, citing Federal Bureau of Investigation warnings that adversaries, specifically the People's Republic of China, use higher education to steal technical information. Despite the new policy, visa applications for international students are projected to drop 30 percent to 40 percent this fall from the previous annual average of one million.
The decision sparked backlash from right-wing figures and media who characterized the students as potential spies. Simultaneously, reports emerged of continued harassment and prolonged interrogations of Chinese students at U.S. ports of entry, particularly at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun called on the U.S. to stop unwarranted harassment and deportation, urging the government to implement the welcoming stance in real terms.
While federal tensions persist, the Oregon State Senate passed a resolution reaffirming friendly ties and educational cooperation with China. The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States has advised its students to exercise caution when entering through Houston.
