US Colleges See 17% Drop in International Student Enrollment as Trump's Immigration Crackdown Bites.
The Institute of International Education has reported a 17% decline in new international student enrollment at US colleges and universities this fall, a stark contrast to four years of consistent growth following the COVID-19 pandemic. The report found that only 57% of surveyed institutions reported an increase in new international students, while 29% saw a decrease.
The drop is largely attributed to the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration, which has resulted in over 6,000 international student visa revocations since March. The US State Department has also introduced stricter screening processes for student visa applicants, requiring them to make their social media profiles public for security checks.
International students from countries such as China and South Korea saw stable or increased enrollment numbers, while those from India experienced a decline that likely contributed to the overall national drop in new enrollment. The report found that nearly all surveyed institutions provided extra support for international students, including guidance on maintaining visa status and flexible start dates.
California schools reported a record number of admitted students, including a 17% increase in admitted international students. However, the state is part of a multistate coalition opposing proposed federal changes that would restrict international student visas to a fixed four-year period and limit students' ability to change schools or programs.
The decline in international student enrollment raises concerns about the impact on US colleges and universities, which rely heavily on foreign students to supplement their tuition income. The Institute of International Education's report serves as a warning sign for higher education institutions, highlighting the need for policymakers to address the root causes of the decline rather than simply addressing its symptoms.
The Institute of International Education has reported a 17% decline in new international student enrollment at US colleges and universities this fall, a stark contrast to four years of consistent growth following the COVID-19 pandemic. The report found that only 57% of surveyed institutions reported an increase in new international students, while 29% saw a decrease.
The drop is largely attributed to the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration, which has resulted in over 6,000 international student visa revocations since March. The US State Department has also introduced stricter screening processes for student visa applicants, requiring them to make their social media profiles public for security checks.
International students from countries such as China and South Korea saw stable or increased enrollment numbers, while those from India experienced a decline that likely contributed to the overall national drop in new enrollment. The report found that nearly all surveyed institutions provided extra support for international students, including guidance on maintaining visa status and flexible start dates.
California schools reported a record number of admitted students, including a 17% increase in admitted international students. However, the state is part of a multistate coalition opposing proposed federal changes that would restrict international student visas to a fixed four-year period and limit students' ability to change schools or programs.
The decline in international student enrollment raises concerns about the impact on US colleges and universities, which rely heavily on foreign students to supplement their tuition income. The Institute of International Education's report serves as a warning sign for higher education institutions, highlighting the need for policymakers to address the root causes of the decline rather than simply addressing its symptoms.