Imagine traveling to pursue your academic dreams and being stopped at the border for hours! 😱 That's what recently happened to four Chinese students aiming to study and attend conferences in the U.S.
According to sources, these students, all with STEM backgrounds—two of them focusing on artificial intelligence—were subjected to over 10 hours of continuous interrogation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. Taken to a dimly lit room, they faced repeated questions about their personal lives, academic pursuits, and even their political affiliations. 🎓🛂
One student had their electronic devices seized without a valid warrant, while the others were eventually sent back home. Shockingly, two were denied the chance to contact anyone outside, leaving one student incommunicado for more than 30 hours. 📵
This isn't an isolated incident. Reports suggest that over 30 Chinese students in computer-related fields have faced similar treatment in recent years. Many were PhD candidates from prestigious U.S. universities, specializing in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering. 💻🤖
These actions have raised concerns about the impact on academic exchange and innovation. Could such measures create a chilling effect on international collaboration and talent exchange? 🌐❄️
For many aspiring scholars, the U.S. has been a beacon of knowledge and opportunity. But with stories like these, students are being urged to think twice before packing their bags. 🌎✈️
What's your take on this situation? Let's keep the conversation going! 💬
Reference(s):
Chinese STEM students harassed, repatriated by U.S. border officials
cgtn.com
