Lawmakers Sound Alarm On Chinese Influence At Top US Universities

Top Republicans in Congress are taking a closer look at who is studying what inside America’s leading universities — and China isn’t happy about it. Six major colleges, including Purdue and the University of Illinois, have been asked to turn over records related to Chinese students working in science and engineering fields.

Rep. John Moolenaar’s request focused on whether China is using student visas as a backdoor to access restricted or dual-use research. The letter warns that many Chinese students are embedded in research programs that directly impact national security and military applications.

Beijing’s reaction was swift. Its foreign ministry blasted the request and claimed the U.S. was discriminating against Chinese students, who it said are contributing to economic growth and scientific progress. The spokesperson said the U.S. should stop exaggerating national security threats and honor students’ rights.

Chinese students make up a large share of international enrollees at American universities, especially in science and tech fields. But some researchers have also been linked to Chinese state-run talent programs, raising alarms in Washington about espionage risks and intellectual property theft.

Republican lawmakers say the problem is systemic. Several investigations have shown that participants in Chinese recruitment schemes have been placed inside U.S. institutions receiving federal funding. They argue that while most students are here legally, oversight is lacking and national interests are at stake.

The scrutiny comes as Republicans advance broader efforts to tighten control over academic cooperation with China. In January, the University of Michigan cut ties with a Chinese university after students were caught near a military facility and later accused of lying to federal investigators.

Rep. Riley Moore’s bill to block student visas for Chinese nationals is part of that push. It’s facing resistance from some higher education groups and civil rights advocates, but Moore maintains the focus should remain on national defense.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR