May 31, 2025

The U.S. government's series of executive orders targeting the admission of international students by universities continues to cause a strong stir in international public opinion. A survey conducted by CGTN shows that 82.1 percent of respondents strongly condemned the U.S. for its serious violation of academic freedom. Nearly 90 percent of respondents voiced concern that these actions have shattered the "American dream" for countless international students.

The U.S. government has ordered its embassies and consulates abroad to suspend student visa interviews and is considering monitoring international students' social media accounts. A total of 81.3 percent of respondents strongly oppose this, viewing it as a serious violation of students' personal privacy, filled with prejudice and discrimination against international students. In addition, the U.S. has also arbitrarily canceled Chinese students' visas under the pretext of so-called ideological differences and national security, prompting widespread criticism. According to the survey, 83 percent of respondents believe this move seriously harms the legitimate rights of Chinese students and creates unjust barriers to people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

In fact, the current U.S. administration has repeatedly wielded the "political stick" against university campuses. It previously launched investigations into more than 60 universities and suspended their federal funding. Since March, it has demanded that Harvard University shut down its diversity, equity and inclusion programs, reduce the authority of its administrators, and reform its admissions standards. After Harvard refused to comply, the government froze $2.2 billion in funding and $60 million in contract payments.

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