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Boston Globe
a day ago
- Business
- Boston Globe
New international student college enrollment could drop by up to 40% this fall, study finds
Advertisement The losses won't just affect enrollment, but also major losses in terms of innovation and US competitiveness, Fanta Aw, the NAFSA chief executive, told the Globe, pointing to large companies like Google or Nvidia, which employ international workers. 'International students drive innovation, advance America's global competitiveness, and create research and academic opportunities in our local colleges that will benefit our country for generations,' Aw said. 'For the United States to succeed in the global economy, we must keep our doors open to students from around the world.' Related : The potential enrollment decline is attributed to changes in visa policy made by the Trump administration, including interview suspensions, limited appointment availability, and visa bans. The disruptions started in May when the Advertisement Weeks away from the beginning of the academic year, the clock is ticking for international students to fill out necessary paperwork, have an interview at their local embassy or consulate, and receive a visa before traveling to the United States. 'It does seem like a guessing game as of right now of who's going to be here once the semester starts,' said Angela Boatman, an associate professor at Boston College who studies the economics of higher education. The uncertainty surrounding an expected drop in enrollment is affecting colleges' ability to financial plan for the upcoming year, said Boatman, calling the projections 'alarming.' NAFSA and JP International analyzed data from the Department of State and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, or SEVIS, and found student visa issuance was down 12 percent between January and April of this year. In May, it was down 22 percent compared with last year. While June and July data are not yet available, NAFSA projects a decrease of 80 to 90 percent, based on the two months being the busiest for student visa issuances in previous years. The groups' nearly $7 billion of projected lost revenue includes tuition, housing, and other costs associated with attending college in the United States. The analysis also predicts a loss of 60,000 jobs nationwide. Aw said the analysis 'should serve as a clarion call to the State Department that it must act to ensure international students and scholars are able to arrive on US campuses this fall.' Advertisement As a policy solution, the organization urged the State Department to expedite visa appointments and exempt students from travel restrictions banning the entry of people from 19 countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Haiti, Iran, and Venezuela. The Trump administration said it was placing the restrictions due to national security concerns. International students have long been considered an asset in exposing American students to an interconnected world and global economy. Many colleges across the country rely on these students to pay full tuition for significant portions of their revenue, though international students in a number of elite schools receive substantial aid. A recent In Massachusetts, international students make up more than Some economists fear the financial consequences of the decline of international students could be worse than the groups projected. Tarek Hassan, an economics professor at Boston University, said the study focuses on local spending and doesn't account for effects on total economic growth. 'Yes, [international students are] going to be spending less in Boston, but this is also going to reduce the long-term economic growth in Boston, and that lowers the incomes of the people who are already here,' Hassan said. Advertisement International students lead to highly skilled immigrants in the United States, Hassan said, which impacts the capacity of local economies to innovate and generate economic growth. 'We're going to have fewer good ideas. And good ideas are fundamentally how we grow, and how our incomes grow over time,' he said. The pause on visa interviews in May took place during the busiest time for student visa issuances — May to August — when students receive acceptance letters and make commitments to US colleges. The wait times for an interview appointment can take months in some countries. And even after a visa is approved, it can take weeks for students to receive them in the mail. Related : In a July 'We are dismayed at the possibility that many of these bright young individuals may be blocked — due to limited appointment availability and scheduling delays at the U.S. embassies in India — from continuing their education and research in the United States," the Congress members wrote. Indian students represent the largest group of international students in the United States. In Massachusetts, the top two countries with the highest numbers of international students are Since the Trump administration abruptly terminated visas from thousands of international students earlier this year, many are concerned about pursuing degrees in the United States. A Advertisement In Malaysia, for example, Related : Marcela Rodrigues can be reached at
The Print
5 days ago
- Business
- The Print
Indian students among worst hit as US may see international enrolment dip 30% this Fall amid visa crisis
These studies follow the Trump administration's implementation of a series of crackdowns on international visa holders, as well as the introduction of stricter policies and expanded travel restrictions, affecting students and exchange visitors. A report by JB International, analysing the student & exchange visitor information system (SEVIS) as well as the US state department data, estimates a 30–40 percent decline in new international student enrolment this Fall, potentially leading to a 15 percent drop in yearly enrolment. New Delhi : The United States is likely to receive at least 1,50,000 fewer international students this year due to ongoing uncertainties over US visas, with the fallout being 60,000 fewer jobs and a $7 billion revenue loss, according to the preliminary projections by NAFSA: Association of International Educators. The report highlights limited or zero appointments for US visas at American consulates in India, China, Nigeria, and Japan by students from those respective nations. Among countries from which international students arrive in the US, India and China are the top two, whereas Nigeria ranks seventh and Japan 13th. The Open Doors Report 2024 confirms 3,31,602 Indian students across US institutes in the 2023-24 academic year, making India the largest source of international students. Indians accounted for 29.4 percent of the total 11,26,690 international students in the US. The latest available US state department data for the February-May period shows Indian students so far received 10,496 F-1 visas for academic purposes—fewer than the 14,068 F-1 visas issued over the same period last year. Indian students who, so far this year, have obtained their US visas are 25.4 percent fewer than those who received visas between February and May last year. Sakshi Mittal, the founder of education consultancy University Leap, said her consultancy is witnessing firsthand how visa delays, reduced appointment slots, and shifting policies are putting aspirations of studying in the US at risk. 'We have had students admitted into Ivy League universities but still waiting for visa appointments,' she said. 'Most universities are not deferring their offers. Students have already rejected offers from top institutions in other countries. They never anticipated the situation would reach this level.' Also Read: 'Honest history, not ideology'—NCERT social science panel chief on changes in Class 8 textbook Reasons behind the drop The NAFSA projection report states that during the peak visa issuance period—27 May to 18 June—this year, student visa interviews were on pause, affecting those who aimed to enrol in one or the other institute this Fall. In the first four months of this year, newly issued F-1 visas dropped 12 percent. Nearly 22 percent fewer F-1 visas have been issued up to May this year compared to last year. 'June 2025 F-1 issuance data has not yet been published, but a decrease of 80–90 percent is possible based on the factors identified here,' the report adds. It further cites 'visa bans' as the key reason for the decline in visas issued. 'Restrictions targeting 19 countries, as per a 4 June 2025, executive order—with another 36 countries rumoured to be added— threaten $3 billion in annual contributions and over 25,000 American jobs,' the report states. Looking ahead to next year's intake, Sakshi Mittal noted growing hesitation among parents and students regarding US education. 'I already see families not wanting to opt for the US, given the uncertainty—not only around visas but also the pressure from the Trump administration to restrict the number of international students. They now prefer alternative destinations,' she said. 'Countries like the UK, Germany, France, and Dubai are gaining momentum. Australia and New Zealand are also introducing positive policies to attract more international students. So, we may see a noticeable shift,' Mittal said. 'While interest in the US remains high, the current sentiment and policies could make it increasingly difficult unless positive reforms are implemented,' she added. Economic Impact According to the NAFSA projection, the drop will also cause a massive economic impact. It states there will be a loss of up to 7 billion US Dollars. The state hosting the most international students, California, alone, is projected to lose over $1 billion in revenue. Similarly, New York may witness a revenue loss of $980 million. Texas is likely to bear an approximate loss of $388 million. Fanta Aw, executive director and CEO of NAFSA, said the immediate economic losses projected are just the 'tip of the iceberg'. 'International students drive innovation, advance America's global competitiveness, and create research and academic opportunities in our local colleges that will benefit our country for generations. For the United States to succeed in the global economy, we must keep our doors open to students from around the world,' she said. To mitigate the potentially devastating impact on cities, towns, and educational institutions, NAFSA has urged the US state department to provide expedited visa appointments and process all F-1 and M-1 visas for students, as well as all J-1 visas for exchange visitor applicants. Another recommendation is to exempt F-1 and M-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors from current travel restrictions affecting nationals from 19 countries while still maintaining the necessary background checks and security vetting required for visa issuance. The F-1 visa is for academic students, the M-1 visa is for vocational students, and the J-1 visa is for exchange visitors such as scholars, interns, or students in cultural programmes. (Edited by Madhurita Goswami) Also Read: Stalin doubles down on his defiance of NEP with 2-language state education policy—only Tamil & English
Economic Times
05-08-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
US may lose 150,000 international students this fall, risking $7 billion in revenue
Agencies American universities may see international student enrollment decline by as many as 150,000 this fall, a development that could cost the US higher education sector nearly $7 billion and threaten over 60,000 jobs. This estimate comes from a new analysis by NAFSA: Association of International Educators and JB International, based on recent data from the US Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and the State Department. The report attributes the expected drop to recent visa disruptions, executive orders, and scrutiny measures introduced by the Trump administration. Unless student visa issuances rebound sharply by August, the study warns of a 15% drop in total international enrollment. In the academic year 2023–24, US colleges hosted 1,126,690 international students — the highest number recorded, according to the Institute of International Education's Open Doors report. These students made up 6% of the total US college population and included those on optional practical training (OPT), who stay for temporary employment related to their studies. International student numbers had recovered post-pandemic, increasing by 200,000 since the 2020 decline. But the new forecast signals that this growth could reverse. Key states face major financial losses According to the NAFSA report, a 30–40% drop in new foreign students would significantly impact several US states. California alone could lose over $1 billion, while New York's losses may be close to that figure. Illinois, Massachusetts, Ohio, Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Florida could each see losses exceeding $200 million. Four factors behind the projected fall: Suspension of Visa Interviews: Student visa interviews were suspended between May 27 and June 18, 2025 — a peak period for issuances. Interviews have resumed, but consulates are now directed to scrutinize applicants' social media accounts more closely. Appointment Shortages: Limited or no visa appointments were reported in countries that are key sources of international students — including India, China, Nigeria, and Japan. Declining Visa Issuance: F-1 visa grants fell 12% year-on-year from January to April 2025 and 22% in May. Though June data is pending, a decline of up to 90% is anticipated. Visa Bans: A presidential executive order issued on June 4, 2025, imposed restrictions on applicants from 19 countries. A further 36 countries may be added, the report highlighted that international students often pay full tuition fees at private institutions and out-of-state fees at public universities. Their financial contribution helps US colleges subsidize costs for domestic said, 'The projected losses confirm higher education leaders' concerns that anti-immigration policies would have a chilling effect on enrollment and revenue.' Trump vs international students In the past few months, the Trump administration has revoked or terminated visas of hundreds to thousands of international students, particularly those perceived as sympathetic to pro‑Palestinian viewpoints. By April 2025, over 1,000 visas had been canceled, and the administration implemented a 'catch and revoke' strategy—scrutinizing social media for signs of support for groups like Hamas or antisemitic activity—to revoke existing student visas and block renewals. One high‑profile case involved Palestinian student Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful permanent resident, who was arrested by ICE without a warrant, drawing criticism for potential First Amendment late May 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the US would 'aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those connected to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields,' accompanied by enhanced social media vetting for F, M, and J visa applicants. At US consulates, student visa interviews were suspended temporarily during late May–mid June re‑opening with stricter rules, such as requiring applicants to make their social media profiles public for government review. These policies have heightened fears among prospective and current international students and contributed to a chilling effect on international academic engagement in the US. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Can Coforge's ambition to lead the IT Industry become a reality? BlackRock returns, this time with Ambani. Will it be lucky second time? Amazon is making stealthy moves in healthcare, here's why! The trader who blew the whistle on Jane Street Stock Radar: Globus Spirits breaks out from 9-month consolidation; check target & stop loss for long positions Weekly Top Picks: These stocks scored 10 on 10 on Stock Reports Plus These large-caps have 'strong buy' & 'buy' recos and an upside potential of more than 25% Stock picks of the week: 5 stocks with consistent score improvement and upside potential of up to 36% in 1 year
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Why Columbia's deal with Trump could drive international students away
Columbia agrees to report student arrests under new US government deal. (File Photo) Columbia University's recent settlement with the Trump administration has sparked concern across the academic sector due to the introduction of new monitoring and reporting requirements for international students. The agreement, made public through university sources and media reports, includes obligations that significantly expand Columbia's role in policing non-US student populations on campus. As part of the settlement, Columbia will pay $221 million and adopt stricter oversight measures, including reporting minor student infractions such as trespassing to the federal government. These measures go beyond existing requirements under the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), the US government's platform for monitoring international students. Expanded reporting obligations for Columbia According to a university official cited in the original press release, Columbia will now report arrest information to SEVIS, even in cases that do not result in suspension or expulsion. These infractions include offences like trespassing, which led to the arrest of 78 students during a pro-Palestinian protest at a university library. Previously, such incidents were resolved internally and did not involve federal authorities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Quote Undo In an official statement issued by Columbia and referenced in the press release, the university confirmed: "In addition to those longstanding requirements, Columbia will now also notify the programme if it is made aware of arrest information." The university emphasised that its participation in SEVIS already required it to report disciplinary actions resulting in suspensions or expulsions but acknowledged that this new measure adds further obligations. Concerns over international student recruitment With nearly 40% of its student population coming from outside the US, Columbia is among the top three US institutions with the highest number of international students, as per data from the Institute of International Education. Many of these students pay full tuition fees, contributing significantly to the university's revenue, particularly at the graduate level. William Brustein, a veteran international student officer, stated that "international students and their parents were already hesitant about studying at US colleges," and noted that other countries such as the UK and Australia are viable alternatives. His remarks were included in the original press release. Potential impact across higher education sector The new conditions placed on Columbia may set a precedent for similar agreements at other US universities. Fanta Aw, Executive Director of NAFSA, said the arrest and disciplinary reporting requirement was "outside of the jurisdiction of universities" and warned it "sets a precedent that all institutions should be aware of," as reported in the press release. Acting Columbia President Claire Shipman, in a letter to students and staff, stated that one motivation for reaching the agreement was "the potential revocation of visa status of thousands of international students." She added that Columbia had not agreed to report information beyond what the federal government is legally entitled to access. Ongoing federal investigations at other universities Other institutions have also come under federal scrutiny. The University of Chicago is currently being investigated for its admissions policies regarding international students. Additionally, the US State Department has launched a probe into Harvard's compliance with foreign research programmes. In contrast, Brown University recently reached a settlement with the Trump administration that did not include measures affecting international students. Stephen Yale-Loehr, a former immigration law professor at Cornell University, stated that the implementation of such agreements is critical and that "no matter how this is implemented, it shows international students that Columbia — and other universities that accept similar language — will be less welcoming," as quoted in the press release. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Straits Times
02-08-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Columbia University to aid Trump policing of foreign students under deal
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Columbia confirmed it will report arrest information to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Beyond the US$221 million that Columbia University will pay as part of its settlement with the White House, the school also accepted new requirements that threaten to sour its relationship with a crucial source of talent and revenue: foreign students. Under the terms of last week's agreement, the university will take on new duties to help the government police international students, said a university official with knowledge of the deal's repercussions. That includes reporting even minor offenses such as trespassing – a common charge for student protesters – that previously were resolved without involving federal authorities. The changes highlight the stepped-up scrutiny foreign students will face, as well as the increased administrative burden the Ivy League school has shouldered to reclaim its federal funding. The university also agreed to take steps to reduce its financial dependence on foreign students, share more information on its student-visa holders and review its international admissions process. International students are already uncertain about their future, with worries spurred by immigration detentions on campus and US officials' attempts to revoke student visas – a campaign that began at Columbia and spread nationwide. The new measures are poised to bring more potentially unsettling changes to a school where almost 40 per cent of students are from outside the US. 'That's one of the most significant changes in this,' said professor at Boston College's Center for International Higher Education Chris Glass, referring to Columbia's settlement. 'It puts the university in an unprecedented and precarious position of being an institution that guards intellectual freedom but also has obligated itself to fulfill reporting responsibilities to the federal government.' In a statement on Aug 1, Columbia confirmed it will report arrest information to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) which all colleges that enroll foreign students must participate in. 'As part of the university's longstanding obligations as a participant in SEVIS, certain student information is required to be provided to the program, including disciplinary actions that result in expulsions or suspensions,' the university said. 'In addition to those longstanding requirements, Columbia will now also notify the program if it is made aware of arrest information.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World Trump deploys nuclear submarines in row with Russia World 'Optimistic' Bessent says US has makings of a deal with China Asia Asia-Pacific economies welcome new US tariff rates, but concerns over extent of full impact remain Singapore Man in SAF custody after allegedly vaping on bus while in army uniform Asia 'Like me? Approach me directly, okay?': Inside a matchmaking event for China's wealthy Opinion America is tearing down another great public institution Opinion Quiet zones in public spaces can help people recharge in the city Singapore Man arrested for allegedly shoplifting twice at Changi Airport Reportable offenses will include infractions such as trespassing, the charge on which 78 students were arrested in May after they occupied a university library in a pro-Palestinian demonstration. 'This is all in the context of the pro-Palestine protests,' Mr Glass said. 'This is a new role the government wants universities to play.' The stepped-up scrutiny is eliciting outside warnings about Columbia's ability to continue enticing foreign applicants. 'International students and their parents were already hesitant about studying at US colleges, and we're not the only game in town anymore. The UK, Australia – there are many alternatives,' said Mr William Brustein, a veteran international-student officer who's worked at large research universities. 'This just adds more fuel to that fire.' Ms Fanta Aw, executive director of NAFSA, an association of international student officers and recruiters, said the arrest and disciplinary reporting requirement was something typically 'outside of the jurisdiction of universities.' The Columbia deal 'sets a precedent that all institutions should be aware of,' she said. Acting President Claire Shipman said in a letter to Columbia students and staff last week that a key reason she was eager to reach an agreement with President Donald Trump was 'the potential revocation of visa status of thousands of international students.' She also said Columbia didn't agree to report any information to which the federal government isn't already legally entitled. Arrest records are already accessible to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, and US agents used criminal records in their efforts to revoke student visas earlier this year. But Columbia hasn't typically been required to keep track of those records. Nor has it been obliged to report infractions to the government unless they result in a suspension or expulsion that affects students' enrollment requirements, and in turn, their visa status. The New York City-based school currently enrolls more international students than all but two other universities in the US, according to data from the Institute of International Education. Since many of them pay full tuition, they're a pillar of Columbia's revenue. Its graduate programs are particularly dependent on applicants from overseas. Other Ivy League schools are similarly reliant on international students to fill their graduate programs, especially in research fields focused on science, technology, engineering and math. While Ms Shipman said the agreement would have no direct bearing on Columbia's admissions process, the concessions echo steps taken by the Trump administration to heighten scrutiny of international applicants, including a new State Department policy for reviewing visa applicants' social media. In May, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration would 'aggressively revoke' Chinese students' visas over national security concerns. In July, the Department of Justice opened an investigation into the University of Chicago's admissions policies for international students. Last week, the State Department launched a probe into Harvard's compliance with federal regulations around a program for foreign researchers and visitors, months after Mr Trump tried to ban foreign students and scholars from the school. It's not clear whether other schools in settlement talks with the administration will agree to the same measures on international students that Columbia did. Brown University reached a deal with the Trump administration on July 30 that didn't include such provisions. But policies on foreign students are almost certainly on the table in those talks. Mr Stephen Yale-Loehr, a former immigration law professor recently retired from Cornell University, said that for Columbia and other schools entertaining such concessions, 'the devil is in the implementation details.' But 'no matter how this is implemented,' he said, 'it shows international students that Columbia – and other universities that accept similar language – will be less welcoming.' BLOOMBERG
