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Trump’s New Assault on Chinese Students and Scholars Betrays Americans’ Core Values of Fairness and Freedom
SAN FRANCISCO – The Asian Law Caucus condemns the Trump administration's sweeping restrictions on Chinese students and scholars in the United States. The recent announcements by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to "aggressively revoke visas" from tens of thousands of Chinese students and scholars, coupled with the targeting of Harvard University's international student programs, represent a dangerous escalation of discriminatory policies that target individuals based on their nationality rather than any individual actions. There is no transparency into the grounds for these revocations, nor any insight into process, but due process, including notice and the opportunity to be heard, is essential.
A Political Playbook that Drags Us Back to America’s Darkest Chapters
America has a shameful history of blaming people of Chinese descent during times of economic uncertainty and political tension. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 barred immigration from China for decades, reflecting the same dangerous impulse from politicians we see today—treating an entire racial group as inherently suspicious or disloyal to evade responsibility or accountability for their economic policy decisions.
These current policies echo both that historical discrimination and the more recent Muslim Ban, which tore apart families and denied communities essential freedoms and rights simply because of who they are. Rather than offer real solutions to complex problems, the federal government has chosen a calculated strategy: to point the finger at people of color and immigrants for the administration’s own political gain.
“We’ve seen this playbook before. Whether it was the Chinese Exclusion Act or the Muslim Ban, targeting entire communities based on their country of origin undermines the very principles America claims to stand for. Our communities understand all too well the pain of being scapegoated when political leaders look for easy targets,” said Aarti Kohli, Asian Law Caucus Executive Director. “These students and scholars are moving here to make advancements, both in their fields and personally, and bring their skills and talents to our communities. Instead they are being blamed for geopolitical tensions they didn't create."
“When we drive out international students, we lose the innovation, ideas, and global connections that strengthen our country,” said Kalpana V. Peddibhotla, Executive Director of the South Asian American Justice Collaborative. “As South Asian communities, we remember the damage of scapegoating after 9/11, the continuing harm caused by the Muslim Ban from the first Trump administration, and the recent F-1 visa terminations. Today, we move shoulder to shoulder with students and scholars from China now facing injustice and refuse to be silent, knowing that when one of us is targeted, the harm ripples through all our communities. Together, we must reject fear and division and uphold the dignity and promise of a country shaped by all of us.”
Congress, University Leaders, and the Courts Must Act with Moral Courage
We call upon Congress to conduct oversight hearings, university leaders to defend their students, student organizations to support those affected, and the courts to provide meaningful review of these discriminatory policies.
We stand in solidarity with all communities denied their freedom to move, travel, be with loved ones, and pursue their careers and education to strengthen communities and workplaces across America. These restrictions betray our fundamental values of fairness and equal treatment under law. As an organization with over 50 years of experience fighting discrimination based on national origin, we will continue to monitor these developments and advocate for the fair treatment of all immigrants, irrespective of national origin.
If you are a student with a visa, find resources on our website. We encourage all students and scholars already in the United States to continue with their studies and consult with their universities and with an immigration attorney before leaving the country if you intend to return.