‘Hesitant' Hongkongers worry Trump has shattered dreams of studying in US
A year ago, 13-year-old Sophia wanted to leave Hong Kong to study in the US, which is home to many renowned universities and boarding schools. With her eyes on east coast boarding schools, she had planned to apply for the 2025-26 academic year.
'[US] boarding schools ... foster open discussion instead of lectures and encourage even introverted students like me to be braver in expressing themselves,' the German Swiss International School student said.
'I could explore new opportunities beyond academics, whether in sports, music or other extracurriculars, which is difficult in Hong Kong, where the focus is mainly on academics.'
But to her dismay, this dream has crumbled.
'My plans changed due to growing concerns about US visa and immigration policies under the Trump administration,' said Sophia, who only gave her first name. 'I saw lots of news about student visas getting revoked. This made me question the long-term stability of staying in the US without citizenship.'
She is just one of the thousands weighing the risks of studying in the United States following the election of President Donald Trump.
Hong Kong sees 15% drop in students seeking overseas education since 2012
'Unsettling'
The US has long been the most popular destination for international students, with around 1.1 million receiving tuition in the country last year.
But recently, Washington has been revoking visas and threatening students with deportation. At least 1,024 students from 160 universities have had their visas revoked or their legal status terminated since late March, according to the Associated Press.
Many have said they have not committed a deportable offence.
A large number of those who lost their legal status are from China and India. These two countries make up more than half of the international student population at US universities.
In Hong Kong, the US was already becoming less popular as a study destination. The 2023-24 academic year marked a record low for Hongkongers pursuing undergraduate degrees in the country, with just 2,762 making the move, according to a survey.
Sophia is now among those deciding against going to the US. She will instead stay in Hong Kong to finish secondary school.
'My parents and I agreed that there would be a possibility of not being able to graduate with a high school diploma. The thought of being suddenly uprooted from school, separated from friends and unable to complete my education, was unsettling,' she said.
'It was a difficult decision given that this was my dream and goal for three years.'
Sophia said that the constant negative news was likely to have made her feel 'unsafe and anxious' if she went to the US.
She will consider attending university in the country in 2029 'if the immigration and visa policies improve'.
Hongkongers are reconsidering studying in America because of President Donald Trump's policies. Photo: Reuters
Cautious hope
Education consultants have said that the visa measures have had little impact on the decisions of their clients.
For Hongkonger Max*, he has already achieved his goal of being accepted into a US university.
'I have always dreamed of going to a US university because of its flexible liberal arts system,' he said.
Max, who preferred to keep the name of the east coast university private, will start later this year.
'This university had a very collaborative and friendly community, and I liked that the course was very flexible, allowing me to study a range of subjects which I enjoyed,' said Max, 18, who has already received his visa.
He said he felt comfortable with his decision, even if he and his parents were 'a little worried'.
'I believe the policies have only targeted a small proportion of students,' he said.
He remains keen to make the move. 'I think it will be an amazing experience in and out of the classroom,' he said.
More than 1,000 international students in the US have had visas or legal status revoked
Another Hongkonger, David*, said attending a US university was 'a dream' that was inspired by his family.
'My parents put a lot of emphasis on how amazing the environment is [in the US] and how much you can learn from American society,' said the 16-year-old, who attends a school in Hong Kong that follows the American system.
David's sister and parents all went to university in the US, making it a natural path for him. He is already looking to apply to 'a lot of the top colleges in the US' for enrolment in 2026.
But he admitted that the recent news had taken a 'little bit of a toll on my mind'. He has been trying to stay informed about the latest developments and said he was starting to feel 'concerned' and 'hesitant'.
David worries that all his hard work to get into a good university will go to waste.
'It feels like a lot of that is in jeopardy and at stake, especially as an international student,' he said.
David, who will graduate from secondary school in 2026, said he was 'still definitely going to apply' as the US had always been his 'dream place' to study and work. But now he was likely to look at other options too.
'[Recent events] have definitely made me consider the UK a lot more,' he said.
* Name changed at interviewees' request.
Stop and think: What reasons are behind the decline in Hongkongers' interest in studying in the US?
Why this story matters: Many young Hongkongers have ambitions to attend universities in the US. But because of the country's current policies, some may no longer feel safe to do so and may decide to attend local institutions or others overseas or in mainland China.
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