A 22-year-old student from China, known by his family name Gu, faced a shocking turn of events upon his arrival in Texas to pursue a master’s degree in philosophy at the University of Houston.
Despite having a full scholarship and all necessary paperwork, Gu was detained at George Bush Intercontinental Airport shortly after landing.
His ordeal, which lasted over 36 hours, included extensive questioning and ultimately led to his deportation back to China.
According to a report by the Associated Press, Gu had previously spent a semester as an exchange student at Cornell University, where he enjoyed a positive academic experience, inspiring him to apply for the master’s program at the University of Houston.
Initially, Gu was not overly concerned regarding the possibility of stricter immigration policies under President Donald Trump’s administration.
However, upon being stopped by a customs officer and taken for questioning, his unease quickly escalated.
The customs officer combed through Gu’s belongings and electronics, leading to intense interrogations that would last over ten hours.
The officer’s primary focus during the inquiries was Gu’s connections to the Chinese Communist Party.
Although Gu’s parents are party members, he has not joined himself; like many young Chinese, he is affiliated with the Communist Youth League.
Gu described the intense atmosphere during his questioning, explaining that the customs officer was particularly interested in a mention of the China Scholarship Council that appeared in his chat history.
He clarified that while it was a topic of discussion among his classmates, he did not receive any funding from the Chinese government.
After enduring three rounds of questioning, Gu was informed of his deportation.
He recalled feeling exhausted, having traveled for almost 40 hours without sleep while confined in a waiting room with harsh lighting and a chilly temperature.
“I was so nervous I was shaking,” Gu said, recalling the anxiety of being sent back.
“So many things were going through my head now that I was being deported. What should I do in the future?”
The situation took a further turn when he learned of his five-year ban from returning to the United States, abruptly interrupting his aspirations for an academic career.
Gu expressed disappointment, stating, “There is no opportunity for the life I had expected.”
In contemplating his next steps, Gu mentioned the possibility of appealing the decision, an endeavor that could take years and potentially cost him thousands of dollars.
As news of Gu’s situation makes waves, the Academic Union Network has stepped in to provide resources for students and researchers traveling to the United States, urging readers to share information, advice, or support as needed.
An update revealed a more nuanced perspective from Gu’s own account of the events.
He recounted one instance late at night when, after hours of questioning, he faced an aggressive officer who accused him of lying.
The officer mentioned the CSSA, the Chinese Students and Scholars Association, asserting that it is funded by the Chinese government and plays a part in suppressing dissent in the U.S.
Gu noted that he had no prior knowledge or concern regarding the organization, illuminating the misunderstandings that can arise from mere affiliations.
This incident has raised significant concerns regarding the treatment of international students and the implications of U.S. immigration policies surrounding them.
As students like Gu seek educational opportunities in America, their experiences highlight the complexities and potential dangers they may face in the current political climate.
image source from：dailynous
