State Department Announces ‘Aggressive Revocation’ of Visas for Chinese Students
May 29, 2025—In another move to assert control over U.S. universities, the Trump Administration announced an aggressive policy to revoke visas for students from China.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the department and the Department of Homeland Security would “aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields.” He said the government would also scrutinize future visa applications from China and Hong Kong.
The change in policy impacts more than 270,000 students of the 1.1 million international students enrolled in U.S. universities. Moreover, the decision is expected to have a detrimental financial impact on U.S. colleges. Schools in New York, Massachusetts, Arizona, Texas, Pennsylvania, and California are likely to feel the impact the most. It will especially affect science, technology, engineering, and math.
Financial Impact on U.S. Universities
International students typically pay a higher tuition rate than domestic students. In the 2023–2024 academic year, international students contributed $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy and supported more than 378,000 jobs, according to the Association of International Educators (NAFSA).
China Responds
China called it a discriminatory move that “exposes the hypocrisy behind the US’ long-touted claims of freedom and openness.” The Chinese Foreign Ministry said it undermines the U.S. international image and infringes upon Chinese students’ legitimate rights. China further said it would erode America’s standing as the world’s premier destination for global talent.
Bigger Battle Against Universities
The latest move is part of the Trump Administration’s crackdown on international students and its effort to control U.S. universities. It is investigating 100 colleges and threatening to withhold $33 billion in federal revenue.
In its legal battle with Harvard University, the administration is withholding $2.2 billion in federal grants and $60 million in contracts.
On Wednesday, DHS issued a notice regarding the revocation of the student exchange program. It again demanded that the university hand over student records, accused the college of receiving funds from foreign governments and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party, and also said Harvard has failed to maintain an environment free of antisemitism–which the Trump administration defines as criticism of the Israeli government.
Meanwhile, in a move that will impact all universities, Trump’s FY26 budget proposal proposes cutting the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Uncertainty and Longer-term Chaos
The crackdown creates a new era of uncertainty.
Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, stated that the set of new policies harms U.S. national economic and academic interests, creating uncertainty and “longer-term chaos.”
International Universities May Benefit
As students in the United States face uncertainty, international universities are putting out open invitations to transfer. Universities in Singapore, Australia, the United Kingdom, and other hubs of higher learning are most likely to benefit. For example, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology released an open invitation last week welcoming students transferring from Harvard.
“The university will provide unconditional offers, streamlined admission procedures, and academic support to facilitate a seamless transition for interested students,” the university said.
Japanese universities like the University of Tokyo are also opening their doors
Harvard’s loss might be other universities’ gain.