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On Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio unveiled a new initiative aimed at “vigorously revoking” student visas granted to international students from China.
Newsweek has contacted the Department of State via email and online channels seeking further clarification and official statements.
The Significance of the New Policy
Since the beginning of Donald Trump’s presidency, there has been a marked increase in efforts to scrutinize and revoke visas of international students attending prestigious universities such as Ivy League institutions. The current administration has intensified these measures, citing concerns over national security and ideological influence.
In recent years, the Trump administration accused Harvard University and Columbia University of insufficient action against antisemitism on campus, especially amid protests related to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. These allegations led to attempts to revoke Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) status, which facilitates the enrollment of international students. Although a court later halted these efforts, the administration has continued to pursue stricter visa policies.
Additionally, the government temporarily suspended all new visa interviews for students and exchange visitors at U.S. diplomatic missions worldwide. Currently, there is a proposal to implement a social media screening process for all future visa applicants, aiming to assess potential security risks based on online activity.
Key Details to Understand
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Rubio declared, “The United States will begin revoking visas of Chinese students, especially those linked to the Chinese Communist Party or engaged in critical fields of study.”
He further explained that the Department of State will collaborate with the Department of Homeland Security to enforce these new measures.
Rubio emphasized, “We will also tighten visa application requirements to increase scrutiny of all future applications from China and Hong Kong.”
The U.S. will initiate the process of revoking visas for Chinese students, particularly those with ties to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in sensitive areas of research. – Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio), May 28, 2025
Earlier in the day, Rubio threatened to block visas for foreign officials involved in censorship activities targeting Americans. He stated, “Freedom of speech is a fundamental right protected by our Constitution and a core element of American identity. While we defend this right domestically, we are increasingly concerned about foreign governments and officials suppressing free expression.”
Details on how these policies will be implemented or specific cases of censorship affecting U.S. citizens have not yet been disclosed by Rubio or the Department of State.
Reactions from Political Figures
Former President Donald Trump shared on Truth Social: “Why isn’t Harvard revealing that nearly 31% of their students are from foreign countries? Many of these nations are not friendly to the U.S., and they pay nothing toward tuition, nor do they plan to.”
He added, “We need transparency about these students and their countries. Harvard receives billions in federal funding, yet they refuse to disclose this information. Use your funds, Harvard, and stop relying on government grants!”
Texas Congressman Keith Self commented on X: “Entering the U.S. is a privilege, not a right, for foreign nationals. Secretary Rubio’s policies prioritize American interests. 🇺🇸🔥”
Next Steps and Uncertainties
It remains unclear how the Trump administration will enforce the new visa revocation policies, especially regarding students already enrolled and nearing graduation. Questions also persist about whether affected students will be able to complete their degrees or receive academic credit.
Updated on May 28, 2025, at 10:50 p.m. ET: Additional information has been incorporated into this report.
