Last week, Britain said it was prepared to offer extended visa rights and a pathway to citizenship for almost 3 million Hong Kong residents.

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Asked if Washington was considering welcoming Hong Kong people "to come here and bring their entrepreneurial creativity," Pompeo replied.

"We are considering it. I don’t know precisely how it will play out. The British have, as you know, a different relationship. A lot of these folks have British national passports. There’s a long history between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom; it’s very different. But we’re taking a look at it."

In his Senate address, McConnell said the United States had "a rich heritage of standing as a beacon of light" to refugees from war and communism.

"We should exercise it again for the people of Hong Kong," he said.

Some workers in Hong Kong report being harrassed by their employers to bow to China's demands and censorship.

Last year, Trump approved legislation stating that Hong Kong residents may not be denied visas because they have been subjected to politically motivated arrest, detention, or other "adverse" government action.

On Friday, Trump also issued a proclamation suspending entry of Chinese nationals identified as potential security risks, something sources said could affect thousands.

In a statement, Pompeo said the move would apply only to graduate students and researchers "targeted, co-opted and exploited" by the Chinese government, representing "only a small subset" of such applicants.