Hong Kong students hoping to study in the United States say they are frustrated and uncertain about their future, following sudden shifts in American visa policies for Chinese nationals.
In late May, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the government would start “aggressively” revoking visas for Chinese students and tighten controls on future applications from mainland China and Hong Kong. Officials claimed the move was necessary for national security, citing risks of espionage, propaganda, and intellectual property theft.
However, President Donald Trump later appeared to take a different stance. “I’ve always been strongly in favour of it. I think it’s a great thing,” he said, referring to Chinese students studying in the U.S.
Shortly after suspending student visa interviews, the State Department announced it would resume the process—but with a new condition. Applicants must now give officials access to their social media accounts as part of the review.
Despite the softening tone from the White House, many students remain uneasy. They say the confusion has forced them to put plans on hold, reconsider their goals, or give up entirely.
“For many, this delay meant putting their dreams on pause or even changing course entirely,” said Mandy*, a secondary school student in Hong Kong. She described the uncertainty as worse than outright rejection, calling the policy shifts a betrayal of America’s reputation as a global leader in education.
“The bitter irony is that America is voluntarily giving up its position as the world’s top academic beacon,” she said. “The American dream has literally become an American nightmare.”
Mandy added that extra scrutiny of Hong Kong and mainland Chinese students would hurt not only individuals but also the U.S. itself. She pointed out that Hong Kong students bring diversity, new ideas, and tuition income. Many stay in the country after graduation, building careers and links between the U.S. and Asia. Others return home with valuable experience that strengthens global connections.
In the 2023–24 academic year, over 277,000 Chinese citizens studied in the United States. They made up nearly one-quarter of all international students, according to the State Department’s Open Doors report. China had long been the largest source of international students in the U.S. until recently, when India overtook it.
Chinese students have been praised for their contributions to academic research, technology, and university funding. But students in Hong Kong fear the current political climate may push them away.
Tiffany, a Year Nine student at an international school in Hong Kong, said the visa changes were “highly harmful” to both U.S. innovation and diplomacy. She believes students are being unfairly caught in a geopolitical battle.
“Alienating Chinese students further fuels political tensions and discourages collaboration,” the 14-year-old said. “It’s also counterproductive to legitimate security concerns, as it only fosters mistrust and potential retaliation.”
Tiffany warned that top talent could be driven to countries like the UK or Canada. “It doesn’t just mean losing brilliant minds,” she said. “It also means losing technological progress and economic contributions.”
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