Chinese Students Flock To Arizona State University: Why So Many?

Arizona State University has a diverse student population, with a significant number of international students. In 2019, nine Chinese students from ASU were denied entry into the US at Los Angeles International Airport, sparking a discussion about the federal government's policies towards international students. Despite this incident, ASU maintains a large international student body, with approximately 3,400 students from China as of 2019, contributing to the university's diverse and vibrant community.

Chinese students denied entry to the US at LAX

Arizona State University (ASU) is one of the most diverse universities in the country, with a large number of students from China enrolled at the university. However, in 2019, nine Chinese ASU students were denied entry to the US at LAX, sparking confusion and concern from the university.

The nine undergraduate students were detained by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at Los Angeles International Airport as they were returning to the US for the fall semester. Despite possessing all the required documentation, the students were denied admission to the US and sent back to China. ASU President Michael Crow reached out to federal officials, including the Secretary of State and the Department of Homeland Security, requesting information on the circumstances surrounding the students' denial of entry. In his letters, Crow emphasised that the students were academically eligible to return to ASU and the US under their visas. He also highlighted the lack of transparency from CBP, stating that they had provided no information on the reasons for the detentions.

ASU's statement refuted allegations that the detentions were due to academic dishonesty, a claim that was also made by some media outlets. The university asserted that CBP had not communicated any relation to academic dishonesty and that such determinations fell under the purview of the academic institution, not CBP. The university further emphasised its commitment to supporting international students and maintaining its partnerships with educational institutions in China.

The incident occurred during a period of escalating tensions between the US and China, which had already impacted international students. The denial of entry to the Chinese ASU students and the lack of explanation from CBP raised concerns about the screening procedures for international students entering the US and prompted calls for a review of these processes.

ASU demands answers from the federal government

Arizona State University (ASU) is demanding answers from the federal government after nine Chinese students were denied entry to the US. The students were returning to the university for the start of classes and were detained at Los Angeles International Airport by Customs and Border Protection officials. They were deemed "inadmissible" and sent back to China, despite having the necessary visas and documentation to enter the country.

ASU President Michael Crow has sent letters to the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department, requesting a review of each student's situation and an explanation of the standard procedures for screening international students and their electronic devices. Crow expressed his concern over the lack of due process and the negative impact on the students, many of whom are continuing their studies through online or independent coursework.

The incident has raised questions about the treatment of international students in the US, with reports of visa delays, federal scrutiny, and new restrictions on collaboration. The number of student visas issued by the State Department has also declined sharply in recent years. ASU's demand for answers highlights the university's commitment to its diverse student body, which includes a significant number of international students.

ASU has a total undergraduate enrollment of over 65,000 students, with approximately 112,000 students considered non-residents. The university offers a wide range of academic programs and is known for its diverse and inclusive community, with a significant increase in minority student enrollment since 2013. The recent incident involving Chinese students has brought attention to the challenges faced by international students in the US and the need for clear and fair admission policies.

ASU's demand for answers from the federal government underscores the university's commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all its students, regardless of their nationality or background. The university's efforts to support and protect its international students are aligned with its values of inclusivity and academic excellence.

Diversity of student population at Arizona's public universities

Arizona's public universities have been under scrutiny for the diversity of their student populations following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down affirmative action for college admissions. In the aftermath of this ruling, Arizona's public universities have asserted their commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) has stated that it has "one of the most diverse student bodies in the country", with data showing big increases in minority student enrollment since Fall 2013. According to the university's enrollment report for Fiscal Year 2023, ASU had an undergraduate student population of 112,171, with 48.79% identifying as White, 24.68% as Hispanic, 7.03% as Asian, 5.63% as Black or African American, 4.92% as two or more races, 1.06% as American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.26% as Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders. Additionally, 4,497 students identified as Non-Resident Aliens, and 4,489 did not specify a race.

Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University (NAU) has demonstrated its commitment to equitable access and inclusivity. In their enrollment report for Fiscal Year 2023, NAU had an undergraduate student population of 23,204, with 55.65% identifying as White, 26.26% as Hispanic, 5.77% as two or more races, 3.07% as Asian, 2.9% as American Indian or Alaska Native, 2.87% as Black or African American, and 0.26% as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. The report also showed 444 Non-Resident Aliens and 294 students who did not specify a race.

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona has emphasised the value of diversity in higher education. Their undergraduate student population of 38,751 includes 48.96% White students, 27.6% Hispanic, 5.24% Asian, 5.04% two or more races, 4.11% Black or African American, 1.28% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.21% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. Additionally, 1,901 students identified as Non-Resident Aliens, and 1,014 did not specify a race.

Diversity in Context

While the universities claim to have diverse student bodies, it is essential to compare these figures to the state's racial makeup. According to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Arizona's population is 52.9% Non-Hispanic or Non-Latino White, 32.5% Hispanic or Latino, 5.5% Black or African American, 5.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 3.2% Two or More Races, and 0.3% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander.

When compared to Arizona's population, the universities show some disparities. For example, Hispanic or Latino students make up a lower proportion of the undergraduate population at all three universities. Additionally, Native students are underrepresented at ASU and NAU. However, Black or African American students and students who identify as two or more races are more proportionally represented at ASU compared to the state's population.

The number of Chinese students enrolled at ASU

Arizona State University (ASU) has one of the largest undergraduate populations in the United States, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 65,174 students in Fall 2023. Of these, 7,887 (7.03%) identify as Asian. However, it is unclear how many of these students are from China specifically.

In 2019, nine Chinese undergraduate students at ASU were denied re-entry into the United States at Los Angeles International Airport. At the time, it was reported that there were roughly 3,400 Chinese students out of a total of 13,000 international students at ASU. While it is unclear if this number has changed since then, it provides a rough estimate of the number of Chinese students enrolled at ASU.

The percentage of Asian students at ASU compared to the state of Arizona

Arizona State University (ASU) has a diverse student body, with a notable percentage of Asian students. In fact, according to the university's enrollment report for Fiscal Year 2023, 7.03% of ASU's undergraduate population, or 7,887 students, identify as Asian. This percentage is higher than the percentage of Asian people in the state of Arizona, which is approximately 3.2% to 3.6% according to the 2020 United States census data. This difference of around 3 to 4 percentage points indicates a higher proportion of Asian students at ASU compared to the state's overall population.

When comparing the percentage of Asian students at ASU to the state of Arizona, it is evident that ASU has a relatively higher representation. This difference in percentage points suggests that ASU attracts a significant number of Asian students, contributing to its diverse student community.

It is worth noting that the percentage of Asian students at ASU may include both domestic and international students. International students, particularly those from Asian countries, can contribute to the overall percentage of Asian students within the university. Additionally, the definition of "Asian" can vary and may include students with diverse ethnic backgrounds and nationalities.

In contrast, when examining the racial makeup of Arizona, the percentage of Asian residents is lower. According to the 2020 census, the state's population was approximately 7,151,502, with an Asian population comprising 3.6% of the total. This indicates that the Asian community in Arizona is smaller in proportion to the overall population.

Furthermore, when analyzing specific cities within Arizona, the percentage of Asian residents can vary. For instance, in 2021, Chandler had the highest percentage of Asian residents at 10.65%, followed by Tempe at 8.93%. These percentages are higher than the state's average and showcase the varying concentrations of Asian individuals across Arizona.

In summary, the percentage of Asian students at ASU, standing at 7.03%, is higher than the percentage of Asian individuals in the state of Arizona, which is approximately 3.2% to 3.6%. This comparison highlights the diverse student body at ASU and the attraction it holds for Asian students, both domestically and internationally.

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