Many are reconsidering their future in light of aggressive visa policies that disproportionately impact them.
**Chinese Scholars Grapple with Rising Tensions Amid US Visa Restrictions**
**Chinese Scholars Grapple with Rising Tensions Amid US Visa Restrictions**
As US-China relations deteriorate, Chinese students face increased challenges in pursuing their education in America.
In a recent surge of tensions between the United States and China, Chinese students in the U.S. are feeling the squeeze as new visa policies threaten their academic aspirations. The unsettling atmosphere escalated when Xiao Chen arrived at the U.S. Consulate in Shanghai for her visa appointment after Washington vowed to revoke student visas aggressively. Hoping to begin her studies in communications at a Michigan university, the 22-year-old was devastated to learn her application was denied without explanation. "I feel like a drifting duckweed tossed in wind and storm,” she lamented, expressing her disheartenment about the uncertainty looming over her future.
Amid complex international relations, Chen's experience echoes widespread anxiety among about 280,000 Chinese students in the U.S., who now feel increasingly targeted. The Trump administration previously instigated issues for international students, most notably in 2020 when it prohibited Chinese scholars with military ties from receiving U.S. visas—a policy that continues to sideline many aspiring academics today. The ambiguity around what constitutes "military ties" has left numerous students in limbo, with some facing abrupt visa cancellations upon arrival.
Disturbingly, the prejudice extends beyond visa applications. Reports have emerged that even esteemed universities are becoming hesitant to accept Chinese students due to allegations of espionage, leading many promising candidates, like psychology major Mr. Cao, to be overlooked for doctoral programs. "I feel like I am just a grain of sand under the wheel of time," he remarked, encapsulating the frustration shared by many in his position.
Upon returning to China after studying in the U.S., graduates are finding that their degrees no longer guarantee job opportunities. Chen Jian, whose attempts to work at a state-owned bank were thwarted by the negative perception of foreign degrees, exemplifies this trend. Many employers are now wary of hiring individuals with overseas education amid an environment rife with suspicions of espionage.
The climate of fear is echoed in comments from business leaders in China, including Dong Mingzhu, who stated her company would refuse to hire overseas-educated Chinese candidates, suggesting they could be spies. This is a stark reminder of the shrinking space for dialogue and exchange between China and the U.S. and the growing distrust on both sides.
Meanwhile, young expatriates returning from study programs express shock at the notable shift in China’s attitude toward foreign influences. Zhang Ni, a recent journalism graduate from Columbia University, reflected on the contrasting sentiments she grew up with, ultimately feeling disheartened by the new wave of suspicion against those educated abroad.
With each passing day, the reality sinks in that what was once a pathway to broaden perspectives is now shrouded in fear. The joke shared among friends before embarking on their U.S. journey—“Don’t become a spy”—captures the irony and anxiety that now defines the experience of many Chinese students. As diplomatic relations fray further, the future for many hopeful scholars remains uncertain, marked by barriers that threaten their dreams.
Amid complex international relations, Chen's experience echoes widespread anxiety among about 280,000 Chinese students in the U.S., who now feel increasingly targeted. The Trump administration previously instigated issues for international students, most notably in 2020 when it prohibited Chinese scholars with military ties from receiving U.S. visas—a policy that continues to sideline many aspiring academics today. The ambiguity around what constitutes "military ties" has left numerous students in limbo, with some facing abrupt visa cancellations upon arrival.
Disturbingly, the prejudice extends beyond visa applications. Reports have emerged that even esteemed universities are becoming hesitant to accept Chinese students due to allegations of espionage, leading many promising candidates, like psychology major Mr. Cao, to be overlooked for doctoral programs. "I feel like I am just a grain of sand under the wheel of time," he remarked, encapsulating the frustration shared by many in his position.
Upon returning to China after studying in the U.S., graduates are finding that their degrees no longer guarantee job opportunities. Chen Jian, whose attempts to work at a state-owned bank were thwarted by the negative perception of foreign degrees, exemplifies this trend. Many employers are now wary of hiring individuals with overseas education amid an environment rife with suspicions of espionage.
The climate of fear is echoed in comments from business leaders in China, including Dong Mingzhu, who stated her company would refuse to hire overseas-educated Chinese candidates, suggesting they could be spies. This is a stark reminder of the shrinking space for dialogue and exchange between China and the U.S. and the growing distrust on both sides.
Meanwhile, young expatriates returning from study programs express shock at the notable shift in China’s attitude toward foreign influences. Zhang Ni, a recent journalism graduate from Columbia University, reflected on the contrasting sentiments she grew up with, ultimately feeling disheartened by the new wave of suspicion against those educated abroad.
With each passing day, the reality sinks in that what was once a pathway to broaden perspectives is now shrouded in fear. The joke shared among friends before embarking on their U.S. journey—“Don’t become a spy”—captures the irony and anxiety that now defines the experience of many Chinese students. As diplomatic relations fray further, the future for many hopeful scholars remains uncertain, marked by barriers that threaten their dreams.
