The once-thriving educational corridor between China and the United States is showing signs of deep stress as growing geopolitical tensions fuel visa cancellations and fresh advisories. This week, China’s Ministry of Education warned students to carefully consider the risks of studying in the US, echoing a similar stance during the Trump-era trade war. The announcement followed new US tariffs on Chinese goods.

Chinese students have traditionally been a financial lifeline for American universities, paying full tuition and contributing to a $14.3 billion boost in 2023 alone. They accounted for nearly one-third of foreign student expenditure, helping drive a $32 billion US service surplus with China last year. Now, that stream is facing disruption.

Multiple universities report abrupt visa revocations. Students describe being left in shock and fear, with some visas cancelled over seemingly trivial reasons. An engineering student in Pennsylvania said he received no explanation: “We pay too much money to experience this kind of nightmare.”

Students are growing anxious over digital scrutiny. A student in New York, Song, said she has begun combing through her social media fearing past posts may have triggered action. “I never imagined I’d fear my own online activity in America,” she shared.

In a rare reprieve, a federal court reinstated a Dartmouth student’s visa, ruling in favor of due process. Still, this mirrors earlier crackdowns, particularly on STEM students.

As India overtakes China in student numbers, experts warn the US risks losing global talent and long-term academic edge.