MTG Now Opposes Plan for 600,000 Chinese Students in U.S.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s indication that the U.S. could welcome up to 600,000 Chinese students.

She warns that many may hold loyalties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and displace American opportunities in higher education.

This comes amid signals from the White House of improving U.S.-China relations, including ongoing trade talks, but has sparked backlash from conservative figures who see it as a national security risk.

Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, August 25, 2025, emphasized the importance of maintaining educational ties with China.

“We’re gonna get along good with China.

I hear so many stories about we’re not gonna allow their students,” he said.

“It’s very important, 600,000 students.”

The figure represents a significant increase from current levels, potentially more than doubling the number of Chinese students in the U.S.

According to the latest data from the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors report, there were 277,398 Chinese students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities during the 2023/2024 academic year, down from a peak of 372,532 in 2019/2020.

This decline has been attributed to factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S.-China tensions, and economic slowdowns in China, with India surpassing China as the top source of international students at 331,602 in the same period.

Conservative Backlash and National Security Concerns

Greene’s objection highlights growing divisions within the MAGA movement over Trump’s approach to China.

In her post on X, she stated, “We should not let in 600,000 CHINESE students to attend American colleges and universities that may be loyal to the CCP.”

She further argued that if barring these students leads to the failure of underperforming universities, “these schools should fail anyways because they are being propped up by the CCP.”

This sentiment echoes broader conservative outrage.

On X, users expressed similar concerns, with one poster warning, “We do not need 600K Chinese students here competing against American kids for places in our universities.

And every one of these students is a potential CCP spy and intellectual property thief.”

Another user stated, “Do not allow 600k Chinese ‘students’ into this country.

They pledge allegiance to the CCP and agree to spy.

This is America last.”

A third emphasized, “600k Chinese students? Why?

We don’t need them here and that’s 600k Americans denied access.

America FIRST remember?!”

Earlier this year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced these worries, announcing that the State Department would collaborate with the Department of Homeland Security to “aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields.”

Economic Arguments and University Impacts

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defended the policy during an appearance on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle” on Monday.

When host Laura Ingraham questioned how allowing 600,000 students from a “Communist country” aligns with “America First,” Lutnick explained that without these students, “you’d empty them from the top, all the students would go up to better schools, and the bottom 15% of universities” could face closure.

International students, particularly from China, contribute significantly to the U.S. economy.

They accounted for over $50 billion in economic impact in 2023/2024, supporting jobs and tuition revenue.

However, critics like Greene counter that reliance on foreign tuition props up failing institutions and overlooks domestic alternatives.

“Why are we allowing 600,000 students from China to replace our American student’s opportunities?

We should never allow that,” she wrote.

She advocated for expanding trade schools, noting they “produce the essential education and training for the most needed jobs in America with very high starting pay.”

Historical Context and Broader Implications

Trump’s remarks signal a potential shift in U.S.-China policy, contrasting with his first term’s restrictions, such as barring certain graduate students tied to China’s military-civil fusion strategy.

Despite a recent decline in Chinese enrollments—falling 4% year-over-year—China remains a key player in U.S. higher education, with students primarily in STEM fields like mathematics, computer science, and engineering.

The proposal has ignited debate on balancing economic benefits with security risks.

As one X user put it, “If he allows this… he will lose the biggest part of his base… Plus, for every Chinese student allowed into a university, that’s one more American student not accepted.”

White House officials have not yet responded to requests for comment on the backlash.

This controversy underscores tensions in U.S.-China relations, where educational exchanges could foster diplomacy but also raise espionage fears.

As trade talks continue, the administration holds “incredible cards” to negotiate with Beijing, Trump noted, though he has no plans to play them yet.

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