Proposed U.S. Bill Seeks Ban on Student Visas for Chinese Nationals

Republican lawmakers cite national security concerns, while critics warn of xenophobia and academic repercussions.

Representative Riley Moore (R-W.Va.) introduced the 'Stop CCP VISAs Act,' aiming to prohibit Chinese nationals from obtaining U.S. student visas.
The bill alleges that Chinese students pose espionage risks and could facilitate intellectual property theft on behalf of China’s Communist Party.
The legislation targets all Chinese nationals, regardless of their field or level of study, marking a significant expansion over previous restrictions on STEM graduate students.
Critics, including advocacy groups and Democratic lawmakers, argue the bill promotes xenophobia and could harm U.S. innovation and academic competitiveness.
Chinese students currently represent the second-largest group of international students in the U.S., though their numbers have been gradually declining in recent years.