The United States is preparing possible visa sanctions against China over what officials describe as slow cooperation in accepting deported migrants, according to a senior administration source.
The warning comes just ahead of a planned meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing, where migration and deportation issues are expected to be key topics alongside trade discussions.
US officials say China has reduced its cooperation in taking back its nationals who are living in the country without legal status. While Beijing accepted around 3,000 deportees in early 2025, cooperation has reportedly declined in recent months.
In response, Washington is considering tougher measures, including stricter visa rules, higher application bonds, and potential entry restrictions for Chinese citizens. Officials argue that countries have an obligation to accept their nationals who are subject to deportation.
China has previously stated that it opposes irregular migration but maintains that repatriation requires careful verification of nationality, which can slow down the process. The issue has long been a point of tension between the two countries.
According to US estimates, more than 100,000 undocumented Chinese nationals are currently in the country, with over 30,000 facing final deportation orders. Authorities say around 1,500 individuals are currently detained and awaiting removal.
The situation is part of a broader immigration policy push by the Trump administration, which has prioritised stricter enforcement, increased deportations, and tighter visa controls.
Under US law, visa sanctions can be applied to countries that do not cooperate with deportation efforts, a measure that has been used in the past by the Department of Homeland Security.
As diplomatic talks approach, the dispute highlights how migration policy is increasingly tied to international relations, trade negotiations, and broader geopolitical strategy.