North Cook News

Mark Albers, President of Niles Township Republicans, has expressed support for stricter Chinese visa requirements, stating that they will help refocus the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) on serving Illinois students rather than advancing foreign interests. Albers made his statement to North Cook News.

"The University of Illinois must return to its mission of educating those who live, work, and pay taxes in Illinois," said Albers. "Stricter visa controls ensure that state-supported resources aren't disproportionately used by foreign nationals. With state funding already stretched thin, we cannot afford to subsidize the ambitions of other nations. Every seat given to a foreign student is a missed opportunity for a deserving Illinoisan."

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the implementation of more stringent visa criteria for students from China. The focus is on applicants in critical fields and those with ties to the Chinese Communist Party. This policy aims to increase oversight and protect U.S. research and national interests. At UIUC, over 6,000 Chinese students are currently enrolled, making them the largest international group on a campus of nearly 60,000. While tighter screening could affect enrollment numbers, officials suggest it may also strengthen the system by prioritizing transparency and aligning with national security goals.

IPM News reported that in March 2025, the Republican-led House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party sent a letter to UIUC and five other universities requesting details about their Chinese international student populations. The committee warned that heavy reliance on foreign tuition poses national security risks due to concerns over research integrity and China's access to U.S. institutions. Chair John Moolenaar described the student visa system as a "Trojan horse for Beijing." According to IPM News, UIUC officials noted that students must typically demonstrate intent to return home to secure a visa.

Albers is a resident of Morton Grove, Illinois, and was appointed as president of the Niles Township GOP organization early in 2024. He has also recently run for Illinois House seat #15. Albers is committed to boosting Republican voter turnout in Niles Township, growing its Republican membership, and communicating Republican positions on issues important to Niles Township voters.