'We will begin revoking visas': US confirms hardline stance on one particular nationality

The United States is poised to ramp up its scrutiny on Chinese students, with Senator Marco Rubio confirming plans to cancel visas for individuals linked to the Chinese Communist Party or pursuing studies in sensitive sectors.

Posting on his X (formerly ) account, the influential Republican senator lifted the lid on the US administration's latest strategy to clamp down on foreign influence within crucial academic and realms.

In his statement, Rubio declared:

"The U.S. will begin revoking visas of Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields."

This bold step indicates a significant turn in American policy towards educational ties with , focusing particularly on exchanges deemed as potential national security threats, reports .

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Though details of the policy are still forthcoming, it is anticipated to have a laser focus on individuals engaged in high-stakes areas like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and progressive engineering; disciplines regularly highlighted in intelligence assessments as key arenas of competitive edge against China.

Amidst rising tension over fears of espionage and intellectual property theft by foreign entities ensconced in US academic institutions, this policy ushers in a heightened era of vigilance.

Just yesterday, Rubio dropped a bombshell, announcing an immediate halt on all student visa applications from the globe, putting British nationals in the mix and throwing countless aspirations into chaos.

The official remarked:

"Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued septel, which we anticipate in the coming days," as reported by Politico.

Concerned experts like Aaron Reichlin-Melnick from the American Immigration Council have voiced their worries, pointing to significant financial ramifications:

"Trump's decision to suspend student visa interviews threatens nearly $44 billion in economic contributions and over 370,000 jobs across the United States, according to NAFSA. If the United States stops taking foreign students, the economic impact would be catastrophic," as conveyed by Express US.