Chinese students slam GOP bill that would ban them from U.S. schools, say it's ‘new Chinese Exclusion Act’

Several Chinese students slammed legislation that was introduced last week by Republican lawmakers that seeks to keep them out of American schools.

Several Chinese students slammed legislation that was introduced last week by Republican lawmakers that seeks to keep them out of American schools. 

The bill, the Stop CCP VISAs Act, would halt the issuance of student visas to Chinese nationals looking to study at U.S. universities or take part in exchange programs. 

The bill cites national security concerns, saying that those on student visas have in the past attempted to spy for the Chinese Communist Party. But the Chinese nationals who spoke to NBC News said that they came to the U.S. looking for more academic freedom, calling the legislation “the new Chinese Exclusion Act.” 

“I think it’s just blatant racism and xenophobia,” said one Chinese student who recently graduated from a D.C.-area university and requested anonymity out of fear of retaliation. “We are not spies. We are students who want to get a better education.” 

Rep. Riley Moore, R.W.Va., who introduced the bill, doubled down on the legislation amid criticisms from students and advocacy groups.  

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/chinese-students-visa-gop-bill-rcna197098

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