CHICAGO (WLS) — It’s estimated that some 280,000 Chinese students are currently enrolled in American universities. Thousands of them are in Chicago and across Illinois.

But, with little detail to go on regarding what might happen to their visa status, many are now questioning whether they will even be able to complete their studies.

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On the University of Chicago’s campus Thursday there was fear and consternation. Much of the university’s international student body is Chinese.

“I’m an atmospheric scientist. I just graduated and started my postdoc here in the Geophysical Sciences Department,” Jin Yan said.

Despite being in Chicago for over five years and in the process of applying for a green card, Yan is now unsure she will be allowed to remain, or even if she wants to.

It’s the same story for Zi Tian, who is in the midst of getting his Ph.D. in geophysical sciences.

It’s unclear if theirs are among the “critical fields” Secretary of State Marco Rubio was referring to Wednesday when he said in a social media post on X, “The U.S. will begin revoking visas of Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields.”

“I’m just an individual, and I think my personal effort is not going to be able to fight against a government action like this,” Tian said.

During a press briefing Thursday, a State Department spokesperson called every visa adjudication a national security decision, saying, “I have no idea what the numbers will be. What I do know is that the people who are deemed to be a threat to the country or a problem now will be vetted again or looked at seriously, and Americans will be safer. That’s the story here.”

Grace Chan McKibben came to the United States 41 years ago as a student from Hong Kong.

Speaking in Chinatown Thursday, she expressed concern about singling out students solely for Communist Party membership.

“Folks that might want particular academic opportunities or employment opportunities might join the party. It may not specifically be related to their ideology,” said Chan McKibben, who is part of the Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community.

Most of the state’s major universities did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which has one of the largest Chinese student bodies in the nation, with more than 6,000 currently enrolled, said they, like others, are really still trying to figure out what this all means and how to best support their students moving forward.

The school year is nearing its end for most students, meaning more free time and pent-up energy. Luckily for them, Planet Fitness is once again kicking off its High School Summer Pass program, offering free memberships for teens across the country.

Here’s what Illinois parents should know about the program, including who is eligible and how to enroll.

When does Planet Fitness’ High School Summer Pass start?

Planet Fitness’ summer pass program begins Sunday, June 1, 2025, and lasts until Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, the fitness club said.

Who is eligible to participate in the program?

All teenagers between the ages of 14 and 19 can participate in the program.

How to sign up for 2025 Planet Fitness High School Summer Pass

You can sign up by pre-registering for the summer pass program online. Teens under the age of 18 will need their parent or legal guardian to sign a waiver.

Parents can also sign their teen up for the program in person at any Planet Fitness location. After the waiver is signed, teens are able to work out independently.

High School Summer Pass comes with scholarship opportunity

Those who sign up for a summer pass can enter the Planet Fitness High School Summer Pass Contest for a chance to win scholarship money. 

To enter, students can submit a video that details their experience during the program by uploading it to TikTok and tagging @planetfitness using the hashtags #HSSP23US and #contest. Planet Fitness will award 10 students a $10,000 scholarship each.

Can parents and their teens work out together at Planet Fitness?

Yes, if they have a Planet Fitness membership, the company said. The free program is available only to teens.

Do you need the Planet Fitness App?

Yes, you need to download the Planet Fitness app through the Apple App Store or Google Play to participate in the program.

Parents or teens will have to create an account with the same email used to sign up for the High School Summer Pass. On June 1, the pass will automatically link to the account.

Can participants sign up for any fitness classes?

All participants will have access to the free fitness classes offered through the Planet Fitness PE@PF program.

Planet Fitness locations in Illinois

Planet Fitness has 105 gyms across Illinois, including 16 locations in Chicago. Find your local gym on Planet Fitness’ website here.

The ramp from I-88 westbound to Illinois 83 southbound in Chicago’s western suburbs is expected to be closed for several days after being damaged by a crash involving a commercial vehicle.

Illinois State Police said a commercial vehicle hauling an excavator was involved in a crash just after 7 p.m. Tuesday on the ramp.

“While attempting to go underneath the bridge, the excavator made contact with the overpass and caused damage to the structure,” state police said.

The ramp was closed following the accident and remained closed Wednesday morning.

Officials said it would likely be closed for “several days,” though no timetable was given. Crews were seen working on the structure through the night.

NBC Chicago Traffic Reporter Kye Martin said drivers traveling westbound should exit at Spring/22nd.