US student admissions are falling, especially from Asia
In July, the number of visitors to the US arriving on student visas saw a significant decline, marking a year-on-year drop for the fourth consecutive month. The declines were particularly evident from Asia, which is the largest international education market. This shift can be attributed to the Trump administration’s immigration policies, which have resulted in bottlenecks and a chilling effect on prospective students. Total arrivals on student visas saw a significant decline of 28 percent, totaling just under 79,000. This marks the largest monthly drop recorded this year, according to data released by the International Trade Administration. There has been a significant drop in student arrivals from India, which fell by 46 per cent, while China experienced a decline of 26 per cent. The decline from the two largest sources of foreign students presents a troubling picture that could jeopardize the financial frameworks of colleges and universities across the United States.
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US universities have issued warnings regarding a significant decline in first-time foreign student enrollment, which is projected to drop by approximately 30 percent this fall. This decrease could result in a staggering loss of $2.6 billion in tuition revenue for the education sector. A significant decline has emerged in the wake of various policy changes and administrative challenges implemented by the White House, particularly concerning the tightening of immigration and foreign student scrutiny. The recent measures have fostered a climate of uncertainty, leading to considerable backlogs and delays at US embassies and consulates in crucial Asian markets. “There are real reasons for concern,” stated Zuzana Cepla Wootson, the deputy director of federal policy at the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, which comprises university leaders. “It’s part of a broader pattern under this administration.” “The travel ban, expanded screening processes, appointment backlogs — all these create uncertainty for students from China, India and beyond.”
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In late May, the Trump administration revealed a suspension of interviews for student visas. In mid-June, the State Department announced its decision to resume interviews, while simultaneously mandating reviews of applicants’ social media profiles. The timing of these policies, coinciding with the peak summer visa application season, has proven to be particularly damaging. This situation raises concerns about student arrivals in August, a month that has historically seen the highest influx of new students entering the US. The visitor arrival figures do not specify whether the individuals arriving are new or returning students. According to Wootson, many individuals currently holding student visas may have opted to remain in the US this summer rather than travel, citing the administration’s increased scrutiny of international scholars.
Officials at institutions with significant Asian student demographics, including the University of Southern California, have expressed concerns that a sustained decline could lead to tens of millions of dollars in lost revenue. The University of Southern California is currently grappling with a significant financial shortfall, amounting to $200 million. Arizona State University President Michael Crow stated, “visa delays have been more disruptive than the pandemic.” A record 1.1 million international students have enrolled in US higher education institutions for the 2023-24 school year, as reported by Open Doors, an organization that gathers data on foreign scholars. India emerged as the leading country, boasting nearly 332,000 students, while China followed closely with approximately 277,000 during that academic year.
