Key facts
- US investigates nine universities for alleged visa fraud, focusing on Chinese scholars.
- Harvard, MIT, and Johns Hopkins are among 30 US universities auditing foreign research ties.
- US and China are discussing AI cooperation ahead of a potential leaders' meeting.
- Bank of America fined $1.21 billion for suspected Chinese money laundering.
- Proposed H-1B and OPT fee hikes could impact international students' work prospects in the US.
The US is scrutinizing universities over alleged visa fraud, particularly concerning Chinese scholars and potential government influence. Nine universities are under investigation, with Harvard, MIT, and Johns Hopkins among 30 institutions ordered to audit their foreign research ties. In parallel, discussions are underway between the US and China regarding potential cooperation on artificial intelligence ahead of a possible leaders' meeting. Concerns have also been raised about Chinese technology exports and alleged money laundering activities, with Bank of America fined over $1 billion for suspected involvement. Proposed increases in H-1B and OPT visa fees could also impact international students' ability to work in the US. Despite trade doubts, the Port of Los Angeles experienced its busiest quarter for imports from China, while Hong Kong received a downgrade in the US State Department's human trafficking report.