Applying an AsianCrit Lens on Chinese International Students: History, Intersections, and Asianization During COVID-19

Abstract

This theoretical paper explores how Chinese international students (CISs) in the US are situated through an AsianCrit lens during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stemming from Critical Race Theory, AsianCrit addresses the varying historical underpinnings of racism against Asian American communities, which the authors would like to expand into Chinese sojourner populations. Anti-Chinese sentiment is evident in US history through the prohibition of Chinese immigration and violation of civil rights dating back to well over a century. The framework seeks to challenge normative research on CISs that is largely understood through experiences in international education or mental health services. Key areas of AsianCrit: Asianization, intersectionality, transnationalism, storytelling, and social justice are addressed with both contributions and challenges of negotiating AsianCrit for CISs. Reflective recommendations in student support, organizing, and institutional policies are provided to empower student voices and take action towards those continuing to perpetuate racist practices. This paper is written in the hope of contributing to the dissemination of current CIS racialized experiences rooted in historical context.