“I never imagined this could happen! California has always been my dreamland. I worked so hard for three years and was admitted to one of the top universities in the state this year. How could this happen? Will my visa be revoked?”
A few days ago, I received a desperate call from a friend. Her dream of studying in the Golden State seemed uncertain amid recent tensions. I didn’t know how to soothe her. After hanging up, I couldn’t sleep, realizing that many Chinese students in the United States might be feeling the same anxiety and frustration.
Uncertainty Amid Changing Policies
The uncertainty among Chinese students and university faculty is real. People are asking: Is the U.S. closing its doors to Chinese students?
Educators from prestigious California universities, including the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the University of California San Diego, and the University of Southern California (USC), have expressed concerns over potential policy shifts affecting international students. American universities have long benefited from attracting talented students from China, and many rely on international students’ tuition for a substantial part of their revenue.
Jack Hu, an immigrant from the Chinese mainland and the first Asian American chancellor of the University of California, Riverside, is among the most vocal advocates for international students. “It is my hope that Chinese students will continue to feel welcome to come to the U.S. and experience the same life-changing opportunity I experienced,” Hu said. “It is imperative for federal support of international students and research to remain consistent so the U.S. will continue to drive the world economy in the generations to come.”
The Good Old Days
Chinese students have been studying in America since the 1850s, when Yung Wing graduated from Yale College (now Yale University), becoming the first Chinese student to earn a degree from an American university.
Looking back on the establishment of China-U.S. diplomatic relations, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter recalled being awakened one night by a call from Frank Press, his national science adviser who was visiting China. Press relayed that Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping asked if the U.S. would accept 5,000 Chinese students to American universities. President Carter replied, “Tell him to send 10,000.” That was the spirit of vibrant people-to-people exchanges in those days.
Students at a Crossroads
Today, will Chinese students still be able to pursue academic studies in California? There is a big question mark.
California hosts over 51,000 Chinese students in its world-renowned institutions. These students have traveled thousands of miles to pursue academic success, creating over 25,000 jobs for local communities and contributing significantly to the local economy. Their role goes beyond academics: they foster mutual understanding, drive economic development and innovation, and promote friendship between the two peoples.
This year marks the 46th anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic relations. Despite twists and turns, great achievements have been made in bilateral cooperation. It is beneficial for the two peoples and the entire world if China and the U.S. continue working together to tackle global challenges.
Only through dialogue and cooperation can a better future be secured. And to do that, policies that hinder educational exchange are never the right or wise thing to do.
