Media backlash in China after US think tank hails 46% drop in Chinese student visas
A dramatic drop in US student visas issued to Chinese and Indian nationals is the latest flashpoint in the debate over education and security after an American think tank framed the fall as a benefit for US students and national security. The report by the Washington-based Centre for Immigration Studies (CIS) has triggered a backlash in China, where Chinese media accused the organisation of…
A new report by the Washington-based Centre for Immigration Studies (CIS) has caused controversy in China after claiming a 46% drop in Chinese student visas to the US. The CIS analysed US State Department data and reported that F-1 student visas issued to Chinese nationals fell from an average of 73,853 in previous years to 40,034 in May to August 2025.
Indian student visa numbers dropped 60% during the same period. The CIS claimed the decline could benefit American students and national security by reducing risks linked to technology transfer and espionage. However, China's state media accused the CIS of politicising academic exchanges and recycling claims that Chinese students pose security risks.
They said the drop in visas was due to US political manoeuvres such as suspending interviews and comprehensive background checks, rather than uncovering spies among students.
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