‘Betrayal’: why Hong Kong students remain cautious as US resumes visa processing

The United States has resumed processing student visas after a month-long halt, but applicants are required to make their social media profiles public for review, a move that has left many Hong Kong hopefuls feeling uncertain and betrayed.

The US State Department said on Wednesday (US time) that it was once again processing academic, vocational and exchange student visas.

Appointment slots at the US consulate in Hong Kong for such visas quickly became available following the announcement.

Washington’s back-and-forth stance on foreign students has left Hong Kong hopefuls stuck in limbo.

One such hopeful, Mandy*, said the recent shifts in the country’s policy were a “betrayal” of America’s long-standing image as a beacon of education and opportunity.

“For many, this delay … [meant] putting their dreams on pause or even changing course entirely,” the secondary school student said.