In a significant move that could further strain U.S.-China relations, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced a sweeping revision of visa policies targeting students from China and Hong Kong. The announcement includes immediate revocation of certain existing visas and a freeze on new student and exchange visa appointments.
According to Secretary Rubio, the policy specifically targets individuals with alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party or those involved in research fields deemed strategically sensitive by the United States.
“The United States will act decisively to revoke visas of individuals connected to the Chinese Communist Party and those pursuing studies in critical fields,” Rubio said in a public statement.
The directive, outlined in a cable sent to all U.S. embassies and consulates, orders a pause on issuing new student and exchange visas to applicants from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong “until further guidance is issued.”
Expanded Criteria and Social Media Scrutiny
The revised policy also includes a comprehensive tightening of the visa vetting process. Future applicants will face enhanced background checks, including greater scrutiny of social media activity and potential affiliations with state-linked institutions.
“We are implementing new criteria to strengthen our national security review of all visa applications from China and Hong Kong,” Rubio added.
The announcement follows Beijing’s criticism of the previous Trump-era decision to suspend new student visa appointments globally—an action China labeled discriminatory and politically motivated.
Observers note that these renewed restrictions reflect growing bipartisan concern in Washington over issues ranging from academic espionage to intellectual property theft.
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