International student enrollment drops in U.S. amid policy changes
U.S. colleges are facing a significant decline in international student enrollment this fall, which could lead to substantial economic repercussions.
U.S. colleges are facing a significant decline in international student enrollment this fall, which could lead to substantial economic repercussions.
U.S. colleges are facing a significant decline in international student enrollment this fall, which could lead to substantial economic repercussions.
Colleges and universities across the United States are preparing for a significant drop in international student enrollment this fall as President Donald Trump aims to overhaul the vetting and admission process for foreign students.
Fanta Aw, executive director and CEO of the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA), said, "In terms of tuition dollars to universities, that will certainly be an impact, but in addition to universities, they contribute to the local economy."
The Association of International Educators says the drop in foreign enrollment could be as high as 15% this fall, which could deprive the U.S. economy of about $7 billion in spending, result in more than 60,000 fewer jobs, and strain school budgets across the country.
Trump acknowledged the importance of international students last week, saying, "I like that other country students come here. And you know what would happen if they didn't? Our college system would go to hell very quickly." However, he has also argued that foreign students take slots from Americans and only wants those who "can love our country."
Critics claim that the administration's policies are contributing to the decline by pressuring colleges to limit enrollment, tightening visa screening, and revoking thousands of visas, arguing that those students broke the law or supported terrorism. Trump stated, "We don't want troublemakers here."
The administration maintains that these measures are about security, but experts like Aw argue, "This idea that international students are a national security threat is one that there is no evidence to support that at all."
Trump last week suggested doubling the number of Chinese students in American universities, a move that contrasts with his previous crackdown and has sparked criticism from conservatives.