Hey fam, 🤔🎓 have you heard the latest buzz? The U.S. admin is sending mixed signals on visas for students from the Chinese mainland, and it's causing all sorts of stress for anyone planning to study across the pond.
First up, Reuters reported that the Trump administration is eyeing tighter visa durations and fewer multi-entry perks for these students, all in the name of "national security." That means the long-term, multi-entry visas many relied on could get rolled back, making hopping in and out a lot trickier.
Then, just days later, President Trump popped back onto the scene saying the U.S. would welcome as many as 600,000 students from the Chinese mainland. "I hear so many stories about 'We are not going to allow their students,' but we are going to allow their students to come in. We are going to allow it. It's very important – 600,000 students," he told reporters during a White House meeting.
Talk about a vibe shift! 🌪️ NPR says colleges are already feeling the pinch, with international enrollment dipping as fall kicks off. After peaking at 372,532 in the 2019-20 year, numbers from the Chinese mainland slid to 289,526 in 2022 and 277,398 in 2023.
Adding fuel to the fire, several U.S. universities, including the University of Michigan, have ended joint projects with Chinese mainland institutions after some U.S. lawmakers flagged worries about tech transfers.
Experts warn this trend could keep going–tense politics and a shrinking population back home might push numbers lower still. For young folks in Mumbai, Jakarta or Manila dreaming of that Ivy League moment, this roller coaster of rules is a clear reminder: global study plans need a backup.
Stay tuned as this story unfolds, and if you're plotting your next big move, it might be time to explore options everywhere. 🌏💡
Reference(s):
U.S. admin's shifting stance fuels uncertainty for Chinese students
cgtn.com
