US Cancels Visas / China has real tension over US visa, Trump's new order causes uproar

US Visas: Recently, the US has announced the cancellation of visas of some Chinese students, which has created a new stir not only in China but also in the global academic world. This decision is especially affecting those students who have some kind of connection with the Communist Party of China or are studying subjects considered "sensitive" in the eyes of the US. This move is being seen as a new link in the ongoing geopolitical tension between the US and China, which is directly affecting the academic and career options of thousands of students.

Chinese students—an important part of the US education system

In the academic year 2023-24, more than 2,70,000 Chinese students are studying in the US, making up about a quarter of the total foreign students. This figure shows that Chinese students not only make a major economic and intellectual contribution to American universities, but they are also part of America's global academic credibility. In such a situation, the news of sudden visa cancellation has created a state of fear, anxiety and confusion in the entire student community.

Johns Hopkins University student Linqin called this decision a modern iteration of the "Chinese Boycott Act". He says that after years of hard work and expectations, now for the first time he has thought of leaving America.

China's response—diplomatic protest and criticism

China has strongly criticized this move. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning termed it "discriminatory and unfair" and said that it proves the lie of America's so-called openness policy. China has also lodged an official protest with the US on this issue.

Entry of geopolitics in the field of education

This is not the first time that Chinese students have faced visa-related problems in the US. In the year 2019 itself, the Ministry of Education of China had warned the students that they may face difficulties in obtaining visas. University of Chicago student Xue Renge said that she is now focusing on finding a job instead of planning further studies in the US, as the current environment is very uncertain.

Hong Kong's initiative—seeking new opportunities

Meanwhile, Hong Kong has begun trying to attract students affected by the US's tough policy. Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee publicly stated that they would welcome students who are facing discrimination due to US policies. This not only presents Hong Kong as an alternative educational hub for Chinese students, but it can also be a strategic response from China.

The shadow of the Trump era—will this trend stop?

During the tenure of former President Donald Trump, many restrictions were imposed on foreign students, especially those from China. Even prestigious institutions like Harvard University had a dispute over the number of foreign students, which was later stopped by the courts. But these incidents indicated that waves of political and diplomatic confrontation are now running even in the field of "soft power" such as education.

Moving towards an uncertain future

This decision is a setback for thousands of Chinese students who came to America with the dream of studying. While education is considered a medium of cooperation, inclusion and dialogue across the world, these circumstances have started turning it into a political weapon. This is a serious warning not only for China or America, but for the entire global student community and education system.