Chinese students being ‘harassed and interrogated’ in US, education ministry says
- Those studying in STEM fields have been subject to more scrutiny since August, according to notice
- It says some have been deported and had their electronic devices confiscated before they left the country
The ministry said US Customs and Border Protection had launched a campaign in August that stepped up scrutiny of Chinese studying in the STEM fields – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – in the country.
Many of them, in the US on F1 student visas, had been harassed, interrogated and deported without a valid reason or charge, according to the notice. It said some of the deported students’ electronic devices had been checked and confiscated by US law enforcement officers before they left the country.
“The Ministry of Education once again reminds students who are studying in the United States to be aware of safety and pay attention to potential risks in the country … and abide by the rules of relevant institutions and reply to communications on time to prevent any disruption to classes,” the notice said.
The ministry urged students to contact China’s embassy or consulates in the United States if they needed help. The notice was posted on the WeChat account of the Chinese Service Centre for Scholarly Exchange under the ministry.
