Higher education institutions and Asian American organizations are concerned about the announcement by the U.S. State Department on May 28, 2025 that it will work to “aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields.” There will be increased scrutiny of all future visa applications from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong.
In response to the announcement, over 700 scholars and experts on China signed a petition to formally pause the implementation in the form of an open letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Among the 731 signatures are organizations with a focus on Asian Americans or U.S.-China relations, including the 1990 Institute, a San Francisco-based nonprofit. Many of these organizations have also released statements urging the State Department to reconsider the new visa policy.
History shows us that U.S. policy regarding China impacts domestic anti-Chinese and anti-Asian sentiments, which has led to discriminatory and hate acts towards Asians in America, regardless of ethnicity.
The 1990 Institute continues to spotlight the contributions of Asian Americans in its effort to counter misconceptions and negative attitudes towards Asian Americans as part of its work to advocate fair and equitable treatment of all Asian Americans. Its programming includes a Youth Symposium to support Asian American youth this September and New Asian American Voices, an initiative highlighting Asian American individuals and collectives who have made a significant impact on their community or on American life.
Learners of all ages can learn about Lue Gim Gong who revolutionized American agriculture, and Kiyoshi Kuromiya, a groundbreaking civil rights activist. Follow New Asian American Voices on Instagram so you can learn about more inspiring Asian American voices, past and present.
