A new documentary by former political commentator Steve Cortes is drawing attention to the growing number of Chinese nationals enrolled at American universities, arguing that the trend raises concerns about opportunity, national security, and the mission of taxpayer-funded institutions.
Cortes, founder of the League of American Workers, recently discussed the film and its findings, pointing to what he describes as a dramatic shift in enrollment patterns at flagship public universities, including the University of Illinois.
According to Cortes, there are at least 300,000 Chinese nationals currently studying at American colleges and universities, with estimates possibly reaching 400,000. He contends that the number represents both a competitive disadvantage for American students and a potential security vulnerability, given the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.
The University of Illinois serves as a central case study in the documentary. Cortes notes that in 2000, the university had just 37 Chinese nationals enrolled. Today, that number has grown to roughly 6,000, making it one of the largest Chinese student populations in the country, second only to the University of Southern California.
He argues that the surge coincides with increasingly competitive admissions at state universities, where Illinois residents with strong academic records report being denied entry. For families who pay state taxes and expect public institutions to prioritize in-state students, the growth in international enrollment can feel like a breach of that understanding.
Cortes attributes the trend primarily to financial incentives. International students, particularly those from affluent families in China, often pay full tuition at higher out-of-state rates. He describes this as a revenue strategy embraced by universities seeking to maximize income, even at the expense of domestic applicants.
He also raises concerns about the broader geopolitical implications. Cortes argues that educating large numbers of students from what he calls an “existential adversary nation” carries risks, particularly in fields such as engineering and advanced sciences. He cites instances of espionage cases involving Chinese nationals at American institutions as evidence that the issue extends beyond academic competition.
Beyond the University of Illinois, the documentary questions the scale of foreign enrollment at selective universities nationwide. Cortes points to institutions where international students account for 20 percent or more of the student body, and in some cases significantly higher percentages. He argues that public and private universities alike benefit from substantial federal funding and taxpayer support, giving Americans a legitimate stake in how admissions policies are structured.
While he acknowledges that international diversity can offer value and that exceptional global talent has historically contributed to American innovation, Cortes maintains that current numbers far exceed what would reasonably qualify as limited recruitment of the “best and brightest.” In his view, caps on international enrollment—particularly from adversarial nations—would better align university admissions with national interests.
He also raises questions about foreign financial influence in higher education, including international donations and overseas partnerships, suggesting that foreign capital may further shape institutional priorities.
The documentary, available online without charge, aims to spark debate not only among policymakers but also among parents, alumni, and taxpayers who may not be aware of enrollment shifts at public institutions. Cortes argues that the conversation should extend beyond partisan politics to address what he sees as a fundamental issue of opportunity and national sovereignty.
As college admissions remain fiercely competitive and geopolitical tensions with China persist, the balance between global engagement and domestic priorities in American higher education is likely to remain a point of contention.