Usa News
Feds Target University of Arizona: Eight Chinese Students’ Firearms Confiscated
Federal and state authorities have recently taken action against at least eight Chinese students at the University of Arizona for allegedly obtaining resident hunting licenses through fraudulent means. This situation has raised concerns about vulnerabilities in gun ownership laws that currently allow international students with hunting licenses to bypass restrictions on firearm possession.
A federal official indicated that there is no evidence suggesting any “malicious intent” among the students involved. However, the situation highlights a significant loophole in firearms regulation. The students reportedly sought these licenses out of curiosity about American gun culture, with one student expressing a particular fascination with the experience of shooting, which is unattainable in their home country due to stringent restrictions on gun ownership.
Yifei Gong, one of the students implicated, stated that he purchased a resident hunting license in November after being influenced by online advice and peers. He then acquired a semi-automatic rifle, spurred by both a desire for fun and a sense of self-defense. His ownership of the firearm, however, was short-lived; state officials ultimately seized his weapon on December 6.
The citations issued to Gong and other students have not only resulted in fines but also underscore concerns about nonimmigrant visa holders acquiring guns. According to Arizona law, applicants for a resident hunting license must demonstrate residency in the state, yet many international students do not meet this requirement. Gong’s experience involved acquiring a license after stating he had been in Arizona for two years, a claim that authorities viewed skeptically given the stipulations around F-1 visas.
While local gun shops denied Gong access to firearms due to his status, he successfully purchased a gun from a retailer that accepted his documentation. He expressed surprise at discovering that his actions were illegal after the authorities confiscated his gun, highlighting a prevalent lack of awareness among foreign students about U.S. gun laws.
Scott Brown, the special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Phoenix, has described the ongoing investigations into these incidents as part of a broader initiative targeting transnational threats. He emphasized the need to address the regulatory loopholes that may be exploited, especially as similar issues have come to light in other states.
Ongoing discussions among local and federal agencies aim to reform regulations governing firearm purchases by nonimmigrant visa holders. Proposed changes may include stricter definitions of residency and limiting the type of firearms accessible to foreign students. Such measures could prevent unauthorized purchases while still allowing legitimate hunters from abroad to participate in sporting activities.
In light of these incidents, partnerships with state universities to educate international students about U.S. gun laws are being explored. Officials recognize that navigating the legal landscape can be particularly challenging for non-native students, who may not fully grasp the complexities of the regulations.
“Most of the Chinese students here, the problem with them is just their lack of knowledge of the law system,” Gong noted, pointing to a fundamental challenge in regulating firearm ownership among international students.
For more information or inquiries, contact: mwoodhouse@tucson.com or 573-4235.
