White House Walks Back Trump’s Claim On Welcoming 600,000 Chinese Students

Last Updated:August 29, 2025, 01:24 IST

The administration has frequently labelled Chinese nationals as a potential national security concern.

President Trump proposed new restrictions on visa durations for Chinese nationals (Representative image)

Two days after US President Donald Trump made headlines by announcing the welcoming of nearly 600,000 Chinese students, the White House has clarified that his remarks do not indicate an increase in visa issuance. In an official statement to Fox News on Thursday, a White House spokesperson explained that the figure referenced by the President reflects a two-year total for the approximately 300,000 Chinese students already present in the US.

According to the White House, current US policy on student visas remains unchanged. The number mentioned by President Trump during Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting was not indicative of any planned expansion. Simultaneously, the US continues its negotiations with China over a broader trade agreement.

On Wednesday, just one day after the Cabinet meeting, President Trump proposed new restrictions on visa durations for Chinese nationals. The administration has frequently labelled Chinese nationals as a potential national security concern, and this latest policy proposal reflects that stance.

Under the proposed changes, visa durations for several categories will be limited to fixed terms. This includes F visas for international students, J visas for cultural exchange visitors, and I visas for journalists. Currently, these visas are granted for the “duration of status," allowing holders to remain in the US for the length of their academic program or professional assignment, along with any authorised training or time abroad.

If implemented, the proposed changes would limit F and J visas to a four-year period, while I visas would be valid for just 240 days. After these durations, visa holders would be required to apply for extensions. However, for Chinese nationals holding I visas, the restrictions are significantly tighter, with the proposed validity capped at just 90 days.

According to the Trump administration, these changes are intended to help the government “monitor and oversee" visa holders more effectively.

The announcement of the proposed policy followed Trump’s widely discussed remarks at the Cabinet meeting. “I like that their students come here. I like that other countries’ students come here," Trump said. “And you know what would happen if they didn’t? Our college system would go to hell very quickly. Despite the seemingly welcoming tone, the President’s comments were met with swift backlash from some MAGA supporters.

Location :

Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published:

August 29, 2025, 01:24 IST

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