Growing scrutiny surrounds U.S. policies affecting international students, with critics accusing the country of weaponizing education and undermining its reputation as a global academic hub. Opinion Editor Huang Jiyuan, a former international student in the U.S., argues that recent measures reflect a departure from America’s traditional values of openness and fairness.
A Shift in Priorities?
Huang highlights concerns that political agendas now overshadow individual rights, disproportionately impacting students who lack institutional power. “When governments target the most vulnerable in pursuit of control, it’s not just policy failure—it’s a moral crisis,” he writes, pointing to tightened visa restrictions and heightened surveillance on campuses.
Global Implications
The debate resonates across Asia, where many families view U.S. education as a pathway to opportunity. Analysts warn that prolonged tensions could reshape academic migration patterns, potentially benefiting other countries actively recruiting international talent.
