Trump Reassures Chinese Students in U.S. Amid Visa Policy Concerns

 U.S. President Donald Trump addressed concerns about Chinese students in American universities on May 30, 2025, stating they “will be okay” despite tightened visa scrutiny announced by his administration.

Speaking at a press conference in Washington, D.C., Trump clarified that a U.S. State Department directive, issued May 27, pausing new F, M, and J visa appointments for international students, including 120,000 Chinese nationals, was a temporary measure to address national security. The policy, effective June 1, 2025, aims to screen for espionage risks, particularly in STEM fields.

Trump emphasized that “legitimate” Chinese students, who make up 35% of the 1 million international students in the U.S., are welcome, but his administration will crack down on “spies posing as scholars.” The directive follows FBI reports alleging Chinese state-backed espionage at universities, with 15 cases prosecuted since 2021. The pause, affecting 50,000 pending applications, has sparked protests at U.S. embassies in Beijing and Shanghai, with students fearing deportation or delayed studies.

University leaders, including MIT and Stanford presidents, warn of academic and economic losses, as international students contribute $40 billion annually. China’s Foreign Ministry accused the U.S. of “xenophobia,” threatening reciprocal visa restrictions. Trump promised a streamlined vetting process by August 2025, citing improved AI-based screening. The policy has polarized opinions, with supporters praising security measures and critics decrying its impact on cultural exchange. Chinese students, like a Tsinghua graduate at Harvard, express anxiety but hope for clarity, as U.S.-China relations remain tense.