China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the move as “politicized and discriminatory
Chinese students across the U.S. are expressing outrage after Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to revoke visas for certain Chinese nationals, particularly those in “critical fields” or with alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party. The policy shift has been likened by students to the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, a historic law that barred Chinese laborers from immigrating to the U.S.
“This is a ‘new version of Chinese Exclusion Act,'” said Linqin, a Johns Hopkins University student, who requested anonymity due to fears of retaliation. He noted that for the first time, he is considering leaving the U.S., where he has spent a third of his life.
China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the move as “politicized and discriminatory,” asserting it contradicts America’s professed values of freedom and openness. Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee responded by stating, “We will work with our universities to provide the best support and assistance.”