Perceived anti-China bias and dearth of jobs have Chinese science students in US mulling their options
- Some extend graduate studies to boost chances of winning jobs or US citizenship at a time of uncertainty
- Reports suggest Chinese attendance at US schools is declining after years of growth
Caught in a geopolitical tug of war between China and the US as job opportunities for them dwindle in both countries, Chinese science students at American universities are wrestling with a dilemma: should they stay, or go?
Several of these students – who declined to let their names be used for this article for fear of repercussions – said in interviews they felt anxious about what they perceived as an increasingly hostile climate towards Chinese students in the US.
Amid employment and visa uncertainty, some said they had extended their graduate studies’ time limits to improve their chances of winning jobs or US citizenship.
“If most of the Chinese talent is expelled, the US is doomed, without a doubt,” said a master’s student in information systems at the University of Florida, who asked not to be identified.
“Most [tech] companies like Microsoft are complaining big about this.”
The graduate of a top Chinese university, who said he would consider returning to his home country only as a last resort, said he had decided to get a PhD to extend his US stay in support of his dream of obtaining American citizenship.