A Chinese postdoctoral researcher has been accused of smuggling deadly bacteria into the United States. Youhuang Xiang had a US J-1 visa – a non-immigrant visa that allows eligible international applicants to travel to the United States and gain experience by participating in work-study programs.
According to FBI Director Kash Patel, Xiang was accused of smuggling Escherichia coli (E. coli) into the country and making false statements about the bacteria.
“This is yet another example of a Chinese researcher – who had the privilege of working at an American university – who allegedly chose to participate in a scheme to circumvent US laws and receive biological material hidden in a package from China,” Pastel wrote on the social network X (formerly Twitter).
It was not revealed where Xiang allegedly smuggled the bacteria, or for what purpose, but in his message, Patel thanked the FBI offices in Indianapolis and Chicago. Additionally, the strain of E. coli bacteria that the researcher was trying to bring to the United States was also not disclosed.
“The FBI and our partners at CBP are committed to enforcing U.S. laws designed to protect against this global threat to our economy and food supply. If not properly controlled, E. coli and other biological materials can cause devastating disease to American crops and significant financial harm to the U.S. economy,” Patel continued.
E. coli is often found in rare meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and raw produce like apples, cucumbers, and sprouts. Additionally, it is widely used in research because it is easy to manipulate genetically, allowing a wide range of experiments to be performed.
Regarding the J-1 visa, Xiang’s visa status and category have not been disclosed. Foreigners can apply for jobs as an au pair, camp counselor, student, intern, government visitor, doctor, teacher, researcher, lecturer or intern.
About 300,000 foreign visitors from 200 countries and territories come to the United States each year through the J-1 Visitor Exchange Program, according to the National Immigration Forum.
The duration of the visa depends on each job or study and can last from a few weeks to a few years. Short-term researchers could be allowed to stay for just one day, while doctors could be allowed to stay on U.S. soil for up to seven years.
“To all universities and their compliance departments: be aware of this trend. Make sure your researchers know that there is a correct and legal way to obtain a license to import/export approved biological materials, and that it must be followed without exception. Our continued partnerships will help better protect our nation and ensure all parties are held accountable,” Patel concluded.
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