Recent moves by the Trump administration to tighten access to US education for Chinese students have spurred many families in China to rethink their children's academic futures overseas. Increasingly, some parents are eyeing alternatives closer to home or in other Western countries due to the growing unpredictability of the US's stance on international students.

Tensions rose further last week when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a policy to revoke visas for Chinese students with links to the Communist Party or those studying in "critical fields." This step, taken alongside a global suspension of student visa interviews, has left many Chinese families in a state of uncertainty, weighing the risks and benefits of investing in US education.

Adding to the disquiet, President Donald Trump suggested capping the proportion of international students at Harvard University to 15 per cent, down from the current 30 per cent. Citing concerns that American students were being deprived of opportunities, this proposal has fueled parental worries about the long-term viability and inclusiveness of US academic institutions.

Earlier in the week, the Department of Homeland Security's attempt to block Harvard from enrolling international students further muddied the waters. Although a federal judge halted this effort, the administration's unpredictable actions have cast a long shadow. In a subsequent court filing, the Trump administration stated it would not immediately revoke Harvard's ability to host international students, granting the university a 30-day period to justify its international student program.

These measures come as a shock to many Chinese families who once viewed the US as the pinnacle of academic achievement. Now, as the political landscape shifts, they are seriously considering whether the American dream is worth the ever-increasing costs and risks.