Chinese students at institutions such as the University of Texas at Austin are feeling the impact of recent political decisions regarding visas. During a recent lunch at the university, a professor from China and two students expressed their concerns over potential federal actions to revoke visas for those in "critical fields." The implications of these measures have already created a climate of uncertainty, where prospective students weigh the risks of being disrupted during their studies.
Professor Xiaobo Lü noted the practical nature of Chinese students, who are reconsidering enrolling in American institutions due to these threats. “The damage is already being done,” he stated, highlighting the shift in perspective among youths regarding their education. Recent conversations among Chinese students reveal a trend: One decided against attending prestigious journalism schools in favor of the University of Hong Kong; another declined an opportunity at MIT to accept a local government position. A student at Johns Hopkins is also contemplating returning to China to finish his degree.
According to a senior academic official at the University of Texas, a notable number of promising graduate applicants have withdrawn from the application process altogether, reflecting the growing apprehension surrounding the future of studying in the U.S. This individual, who spoke anonymously, indicated that some Chinese students on campus are hesitant to voice their concerns due to fears over their visa status, underscoring the significant effects of hostility towards international students.
