Proponents of lifting restrictions argue that doing so is necessary to sustain universities and surrounding communities dependent on financial support from Chinese nationals. But this argument obscures the profound moral and economic consequences of higher education's undue financial reliance on China, including its preference of foreign nationals in admissions decisions and its perpetuation of ballooning tuition costs. A true "foreign policy for the middle class" must address these serious concerns.
American universities have become increasingly dependent on tuition dollars from Chinese nationals, who can afford the skyrocketing costs of attendance. As universities have raised their tuition beyond affordable rates for American citizens, they have begun intentionally admitting foreign students who can pay full freight over their American counterparts—even if it means lowering standards. Today, China sends more students to American universities than any other country, accounting for more than one-third of international students in the United States.
