Lake County Gazette

Melanie Gurel, Vice Chairman of the Vernon Township Republicans, expressed support for stricter Chinese visa requirements, suggesting they would help refocus the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) on serving Illinois students rather than advancing foreign interests. Gurel made her statement to the Lake County Gazette.

"By enforcing stricter student visa policies, UIUC can reclaim its identity as a university dedicated to Illinoisans," said Gurel, Vice Chairwoman. "This ensures that our limited seats, scholarships, and faculty attention are reserved for those who will contribute to the state's growth. The people of Illinois deserve a university that puts them first. Prestige should never come at the cost of public purpose."

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new visa criteria for Chinese students, emphasizing applicants in critical fields and those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party. The policy aims to enhance oversight and safeguard U.S. research and national interests. At UIUC, where over 6,000 Chinese students are enrolled—the largest international group on a campus of nearly 60,000—tighter screening could alter enrollment patterns. However, officials believe it could also strengthen the system by prioritizing transparency and aligning with national security objectives.

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

Gurel has been a resident of Buffalo Grove for eight years. Her involvement in local politics began after March 2020 during Covid lockdowns when she organized a rally at Stevenson High School and found her political footing at VTRO (Vernon Township Republican Organization). She is also co-chair of the Awake Illinois Vernon/Ela Townships chapter and serves as an appointed Precinct Committeewoman for Vernon 288. Her most challenging accomplishment during Covid was homeschooling her son for third grade; she considers helping turn Illinois red as a close second.