Formal Inquiry from Congressional Committee

A subcommittee from the U.S. House of Representatives has reached out to the University of Southern California (USC) to gather insights concerning the involvement of Chinese nationals in its academic programs. This request is part of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party’s broader objective, which includes assessing the risks posed by the Chinese government’s strategies to gain technological and economic advantages.

Concerns About Academic and National Security

In their communication with USC, led by committee chair Dr. Carol Folt, the committee emphasized the precarious intersection of financial benefits for universities and national security concerns. The letter outlines worries that the financial incentives for higher education institutions may undermine the technological leadership and security of the United States.

“The United States is at a dangerous crossroads where the pursuit of short-term financial gains by academic institutions jeopardizes long-term global technological leadership and national security,” the letter stated.

Allegations of Misaligned Priorities

The letter further claims that universities have become channels through which foreign adversaries, including those from China, can access crucial research and advanced technology. However, it did not provide specific evidence to substantiate these allegations.

Additionally, the committee pointed out that admitting a significant number of Chinese students into competitive STEM programs might detract from opportunities available to American students. “Too many U.S. universities continue to prioritize financial incentives over the education of American students, domestic workforce development, and national security,” it noted, highlighting a perceived “brain drain” of expertise directed towards foreign interests.

Request for Detailed Information

The committee’s inquiry includes requests for comprehensive data on the academic backgrounds of Chinese students at USC, sources of their tuition funding, and specifics about their involvement in research initiatives. This includes:

• Previous universities attended by Chinese students at USC.
• Details on research projects they are contributing to.
• Information regarding labs engaged in relevant technological initiatives.

University’s Response and Broader Context

As of now, USC has acknowledged receipt of the letter but has not publicly indicated whether it will comply with the committee’s requests. According to university data, there are currently 5,993 international students from China enrolled at the institution for the Fall 2024 term. This inquiry mirrors similar requests sent to other prestigious universities, including Purdue, Stanford, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Maryland, and Carnegie Mellon.