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Newsweek
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Where Student Visa Holders Come From, What They Study and Where They Work
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. More than 1.5 million foreign students were enrolled in schools in the United States in 2024, rising 5 percent over the prior year, according to a new report released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) this week. The "SEVIS by the Numbers Report" comes amid increased scrutiny of the F-1, M-1 and J-1 visas that are used to allow temporary immigrants to access college courses, vocational training and exchange programs in the U.S. In its annual report, ICE also laid out which schools were the top users of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The Trump administration has sought to limit SEVP for institutions it sees as not complying with current policies, such as around antisemitism. "Having the data, knowing what's happening, is certainly part of the analysis for understanding and explaining the contributions of international students and understanding the patterns of enrollment of post-graduation work experience," Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, told Newsweek. "This is something we would hope continues." How Many Foreign Students Were in the U.S. In 2024? There were 1,582,808 students on F-1 and M-1 visas last year, up 5.3 percent from 2023, with all four regions of the country seeing a rise in enrollment. The increase did slow in 2024 compared to between 2022 and 2023, however. The majority of student visa holders come from India (422,335) and China (329,541). The concentration of F-1 student visa holders – typically those working on traditional degrees at accredited colleges and universities – are concentrated in the states with some of the top U.S. schools. California leads the list with 821 SEVP-registered schools. New York came in second, with 480. Others on the list were Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida, Massachusetts, Illinois, Georgia, North Carolina and Michigan. Which Colleges Welcome the Most Foreign Students? Over the past four months, universities that have come under increasing pressure from the Trump administration to make changes to their practices are high up on the list of institutions with large numbers of international student visa holders. New York University and Columbia University each have around 25,000 F-1 students currently matriculating, as does Northeastern in Boston. Many others had between 10,000 and 20,000. Notably absent in the top F-1 schools is Harvard, which the Trump administration has focused its attention on in recent weeks, seeking to strip its ability to enroll international students. The Ivy League university falls just outside the top 20 list, hosting 10,292 F-1 visa holders in 2024. What Are They Studying? These students are studying a variety of subjects, but the standout major was Computer Science, with second language learning, computer and information sciences, and business administration and management following close behind. ICE's report also covers M-1 visas, which are aimed at vocational training. The data shows a big difference in the 431 vocational schools and institutions actively taking in foreign students. Delta Aeronautics, American Aviation Flight Academy and Airbus American Customer Services were among the employers enrolling international students for training, while several Christian schools also led the list of M-1 visa enrollers. Who Is Sponsoring J-1 Visa Holders? As for the J-1 visa, which covers a variety of exchange programs managed by the State Department, there were 298,858 such visa holders in 2024. That number was up 0.7 percent over 2023. The J-1 program includes au pairs, camp counselors, interns and teacher training, as well as visiting professors, researchers and medics. SEVP data showed the top 25 program sponsors, which highlight the variety of J-1 holders. Notably, in third place on the list, was the State Department itself, sponsoring some 14,431 J-1 visa holders. Where Are Foreign Students Working? Student visa holders are allowed — and are often required — to work during their studies and afterwards. In 2024, 194,554 students were able to work through Optional Practical Training (OPT), up 21 percent on the year before, with a further 95,384 getting work training through STEM OPT. Overall, 381,140 foreign students were able to gain work authorization, finding jobs with some of the largest blue-chip employers in the country, including Amazon, Tesla, Goldman Sachs and Walmart. Some colleges and universities also welcomed student visa holders as employees under the program. The chart below covers those working under OPT, excluding STEM and Curricular practical training (CPT) programs. Amid pauses and changes to student visa applications, Feldblum told Newsweek that it was crucial that international students were still able to come to the U.S., otherwise the domestic economy could lose out on an estimated $44 billion in activity. "We have close to 400,000 international students participating in some form of training that directly benefits American employers, industry, research across the country," she said. "Beyond the big names, we're talking about workplaces, employers, across all these states, the local contributions that international students bring. "This is, again, beyond thinking about the $44 billion, but thinking about the actual work, talent, skills that could be lost if we do not ensure that international students want to come here. Our premier destination role is not assured, it is fragile." ICE said it would continue to review visas and institutions for any "potential violations" and will refer any national security concerns to field offices for investigation.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
There are 1.2 million international students in the US. How many are at Purdue?
The Trump administration is targeting Harvard's international student program, attempting to revoke student visas for Chinese nationals, and initiating deportation proceedings for students who participate in pro-Palestinian protests. So how many international students does Purdue have? The latest data available from Immigration and Customs Enforcement is from 2023 — it gives details of people receiving an F-1 visa, which is the most common type for international students, scholars, and trainees. As many as 1.5 million international students were in the United States in 2023 using F-1 or M-1 visas, based on a count of records in a system managed by the Department of Homeland Security. Just under 1.4 million of those were seeking degrees in 2022, and there could be duplicates due to people seeking more than one degree at the same time. Of the universities granting the most F-1 visas, the top 500 had more than 1.2 million international students combined, according to USA TODAY's analysis. This is the type of visa required to enroll in a degree program, including associates degrees, bachelor's degrees, masters degrees, and doctorates. The vast majority are pursuing bachelor's and masters degrees, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Foreign nationals can also receive F-1 visas to work in their field of study for up to three years, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The college campus with the most international students that year was New York University, with nearly 25,000 F-1 visas issued at its main campus, and about 7,500 issued at its Brooklyn campus. Other campuses with high international populations were in other major cities — Northeastern University (Boston), Columbia University (New York), and the University of Southern California (Los Angeles). Arizona State University had nearly 18,000 international students in 2023, the data shows, placing it fifth on the list. Purdue University 13,033 international studies on their campus in Lafayette, placing 11th on the list. There were also 780 international students on the Purdue Northwest Calumet campus and 713 on the Purdue Fort Wayne campus. By comparison, Indiana University had 6,795 international students. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How many international students attend Purdue? Search for your school
Mint
2 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Why Indians, the largest number of overseas students in US, have reasons to worry due to Donald Trump
Indian students studying in US universities gain several benefits, including access to world-class education, diverse cultural experiences and enhanced career opportunities. The US education system offers a global perspective, innovative learning environments, and a strong focus on practical skills, making it a popular choice for Indian students seeking global careers. Traditionally, US universities, particularly those in the Ivy League and top research institutions, offer rigorous academic programmes and cutting-edge technology. Indian students have, over the decades, explored a wide range of academic disciplines and specialisations, tailoring their education to their interests and career goals. Now suddenly, Donald Trump's own 'new education policy' is threatening to throw this world-class system under the bus. In 2023-2024, India was the top country of origin for international students in the US, with over 330,000 students. This represents a significant increase from previous years, with India surpassing China as the leading source of international students. So, just what are the new policies introduced by the US president that are causing disruption in a land that offers the world's most premier education? A close look: The Trump administration has ordered its embassies abroad to stop scheduling new visa interview appointments for students and exchange visitors. Advisories from the US government and universities provide critical warnings to students, urging them to avoid any action that could jeopardise their visa status as recorded in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Many students have been forced to leave the country after their F-1, J-1, or M-1 visa status was abruptly revoked and their SEVIS records cancelled — often due to minor past infractions, including traffic offences. The crackdown has prompted some international students to abandon applications to campuses in the United States and spread serious stress and anxiety among those already enrolled, of which Indians constitute the largest number. This is a test case for all US universities. Trump wants Harvard to limit foreign student enrollment to 15 per cent, a change that could impact thousands of Indian students hoping to study in the US. There are roughly 788 Indian students currently enrolled at Harvard. The US president wants to stop Harvard from enrolling any foreign students. His push against Harvard and other universities has become part of a wider drive to reshape policies on everything from admissions to hiring. Officials say the move is part of efforts to tackle antisemitism linked to protests against Israel's war in Gaza. Harvard has responded by suing the government over the funding cuts and secured a temporary court order stopping the administration from banning international students altogether. Several US universities are popular choices for Indian students seeking international education. Universities like New York University (NYU), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, Harvard University, and Columbia University are frequently listed among the top destinations for Indian students. They contribute more than just tuition, bringing in global perspectives that enrich classrooms and research. According to the Indian Student Mobility Report 2024, Indian students are projected to spend $17.4 billion annually, including $10.1 billion on academic expenses alone, while studying there. There are signs of pushbacks by the country's strong institutions. The Trump administration has given Harvard University 30 days to challenge the revocation of its ability to enrol international students. The notice comes one week after the US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced she had ordered the termination of Harvard University's SEVP certification. Noem, in her letter, accused the university of "fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party." In addition, a federal judge in California has already issued an injunction, providing temporary relief by blocking the administration's efforts to revoke the legal status of thousands of international students.
USA Today
4 days ago
- General
- USA Today
Not just Harvard: See where 1.2 million international students learn in the US
Not just Harvard: See where 1.2 million international students learn in the US The Trump administration is targeting Harvard's exchange student program, attempting to revoke student visas for Chinese nationals, and initiating deportation proceedings for students who participate in pro-Palestinian protests. So we took a look at where the college exchange students in the United States are located. Here's what we found: The latest data available from Immigration and Customs Enforcement is from 2023 — it gives details of people receiving an F-1 visa, which is the most common type for international students, scholars, and trainees. While private schools such as Harvard do receive large numbers of exchange students, so do major public universities. How many international students are at U.S. colleges? As many as 1.5 million international students were in the United States in 2023 using F-1 or M-1 visas, based on a count of records in a system managed by the Department of Homeland Security. Just under 1.4 million of those were seeking degrees in 2022, and there could be duplicates due to people seeking more than one degree at the same time. A big portion of these international students were not enrolled that year, but instead participated in post-graduate training programs. For example, Columbia University wrote in its 2023 annual report that it had just under 14,000 enrolled international students, plus about 6,500 students in training programs, and about 3,000 scholars. Of the universities granting the most F-1 visas, the top 500 had more than 1.2 million international students combined, according to USA TODAY's analysis. This is the type of visa required to enroll in a degree program, including associates degrees, bachelor's degrees, masters degrees, and doctorates. The vast majority are pursuing bachelor's and masters degrees, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Foreign nationals can also receive F-1 visas to work in their field of study for up to three years, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Which college has the most international students? The college campus with the most international students that year was New York University, with nearly 25,000 F-1 visas issued at its main campus, and about 7,500 issued at its Brooklyn campus. Other campuses with high international populations were in other major cities — Northeastern University (Boston), Columbia University (New York), and the University of Southern California (Los Angeles). Which public schools have the highest number of from exchange student visas? Arizona State University had nearly 18,000 international students in 2023, the data shows, placing it fifth on the list. Other public universities with major international student populations were the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; the University of North Texas, and Purdue University in Indiana. How many international students are at Harvard? In 2023, Harvard did not rank in the top 20 of U.S. colleges for foreign students, according to the data. The university ranked No. 21 nationwide, and third in the Boston area, behind Northeastern University and Boston University. The school had about 9,700 F-1 visa students in 2023, according to the data. The Trump administration on May 22 attempted to rescind Harvard's participation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, which certifies schools to allow them to enroll international students, including F-1 visa holders. The administration eased up a week later and introduced a longer process to allow Harvard a process to argue it should be able to use the program. How many international students have visas at my college? Search the list.
28-05-2025
- Politics
New policy on visas adds to mounting scrutiny of international students in the US
New State Department guidance on visa applications is adding to scrutiny of international students that has intensified under President Donald Trump, who has leveraged control of foreign enrollment to press his demands with American colleges. In a cable sent Tuesday to U.S. embassies and consulates Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio halted the scheduling of new visa interviews for international students until the department releases guidelines for increased vetting of their activity on social media. Existing appointments may be kept and will proceed under current review guidelines, the cable said, but new guidance is expected in the coming days. It came days after the Trump administration moved to block Harvard University from enrolling any international students, a decision that has been put on hold by a federal judge, pending a lawsuit. Trump said Wednesday that Harvard, whose current student population is made up of more than a quarter of international students, should limit that percentage to about 15%. 'I want to make sure the foreign students are people that can love our country,' Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. Earlier this year, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested and tried to deport students who had been involved in campus protests against the Israel-Hamas war. And the Trump administration abruptly terminated the legal status of thousands of international students before reversing itself and then expanding the grounds on which students can lose permission to study in the U.S. The uncertainty raised by the suspension of the visa appointments will do further damage to the U.S. reputation as a destination country, said Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, an association that represents international educators. Students generally commit to their program of study in late spring, meaning now would be peak time for students to schedule their visa interviews. 'International students and scholars are tremendous assets that contribute to U.S. preeminence in innovation, research, and economic strength,' Aw said in a statement. 'Undermining their ability to study here is self-defeating. With these actions, the United States will alienate the very minds that fuel its success.' The pause affects three categories of visas that cover a range of people seeking to study in the U.S. The largest category, F-1 visas, includes students who are enrolling at full-time accredited schools. Students participating in exchange programs enter on J-1 visas, and those enrolling in vocational or non-academic programs enter on M-1 visas. The bulk of visa recipients are university students. However, visiting scholars, high school exchange students, summer program participants and boarding school students are also covered by the three affected visa categories. Around 1.1 million international students were in the United States last year — a source of essential revenue for tuition-driven colleges. International students are not eligible for federal financial aid, and their ability to pay tuition often factors into whether they will be admitted to American schools. Often, they pay full price. Visa applicants have been required to provide social media handles to the State Department since 2019. The cable did not indicate what kind of additional scrutiny the new guidelines would cover, but suggested the new reviews may be more resource-intensive. 'In light of potentially significant implications for consular section operations, processes, and resource allocations, consulate sections will need to take into consideration the workload and resource requirements of each case prior to scheduling them going forward,' the cable said. The additional vetting will deter students from coming to the U.S., said Jonathan Friedman of PEN America, a literary and free expression organization. 'The details remain vague, but this policy risks upending the long-standing place of the U.S. as a beacon for intellectual and cultural exchange with the world,' Friedman said. The move to cut off international enrollment at Harvard stems from a dispute with the Department of Homeland Security, which has demanded that it provide information about foreign students that might implicate them in violence or protests that could lead to their deportation. Harvard says it complied with the records request, but the agency said its response fell short. On Wednesday, Trump said more scrutiny of Harvard's students is necessary. 'They're taking people from areas of the world that are very radicalized, and we don't want them making trouble in our country,' Trump said. The Trump administration has cut over $2.6 billion in federal grants for Harvard as it presses demands for changes to policies and governance at the Ivy League school, which the president has described as a hotbed of liberalism and antisemitism. Harvard has pushed back and filed a lawsuit against the administration. ___ standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
