US Prepares Visa Restrictions on China Over Repatriation Dispute

Darwin, 05 May : The United States is preparing to impose visa restrictions on China over Beijing’s reluctance to accept the return of undocumented Chinese nationals residing in the US, a senior official in the administration of told .

According to the official, Washington may move forward with the plan if China does not promptly resume accepting its undocumented citizens. The US is also expected to intensify efforts to deport Chinese nationals currently living in the country without legal status.

The development comes ahead of a planned visit by President Trump to Beijing on May 14–15, a trip seen as crucial for securing trade concessions that could bolster the Republican Party’s position ahead of the November congressional elections.

Despite the timing, the administration appears determined to follow through on Trump’s campaign pledge to curb illegal immigration. Officials argue that action against countries unwilling to cooperate on repatriation is a necessary step toward that goal.

During the tenure of former President , hundreds to thousands of Chinese nationals reportedly entered the US through the southern border on a regular basis. Official data suggests that more than 100,000 undocumented Chinese nationals are currently residing in the United States, with over 30,000 already under court orders for deportation.

While China accepted around 3,000 nationals in multiple batches in 2025, the repatriation process has reportedly stalled over the past six months, with no individuals taken back during this period.

The US official said Washington has repeatedly engaged Beijing on the issue but has received no meaningful response. Chinese authorities have also signaled a lack of full cooperation, raising concerns that this stance could eventually impact the entry of legitimate Chinese visitors to the United States.

The administration indicated it would wait for a limited period before escalating measures. Initial steps could include sharply increasing visa fees for Chinese applicants and raising visa rejection rates, potentially leading to a full-scale visa ban if the situation remains unresolved.

Reuters said it had reached out to officials at the Chinese embassy in Washington for comment, but none responded.