Name: U.S. universities face crisis as international student numbers plunge
Uploaded: 2025-12-15T00:35:34.927Z
Duration: 2 min 14 s
Description: The education policies of the Trump administration are having a big impact on higher education institutions in the U.S.

The education policies of the Trump administration are having a big impact on higher education institutions in the U.S.

Washington

U.S. universities are witnessing a notable decrease in international student enrollment due to recent immigration policies, including visa cancellations, delayed screenings, and travel restrictions. The Trump administration has also threatened to cut funding to institutions with Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) policies, further intensifying concerns.

International students contributed nearly $55 billion to the U.S. economy in the 2024-2025 academic year and supported over 350,000 jobs. Experts warn that continued declines could jeopardize not only university finances but also the broader economic and scientific contributions these students make.

U.S. universities face crisis as international student numbers plunge

American colleges have long been a magnet for students from around the world, but as part of its crackdown on immigration, the Trump administration has cancelled visas for some students, delayed screening interviews and imposed travel restrictions. It's also threatened to cut all funding to universities that have Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, or DEI, policies. At commencement ceremonies this year, the pressure was beginning to be felt. Members of the class of 2025, from down the street, across the country and around the world. Around the world, just as it should be. But some international students are deeply pessimistic about the future. We might be the last international class in a while, when people come back next semester, there might not be any international students left. I just don't feel as welcome and then the things are getting tenser. Sisi Tan was going to continue her studies at Boston University, but instead has returned to China. After seeing what is currently happening right now, I decided to tell the school that I'm deferring my offer to next year. The economic impact is staggering. In the 24-25 academic year, international students contributed nearly $55 billion to the U.S. economy and supported more than 350,000 jobs. It's not just the short-term tuition that they provide to our institutions. The economic value really comes from their participation in America's science and economic leadership, starting companies, being a part of our scientific infrastructure at our universities. That's where the real economic contribution happens. And that's what is at risk if we continue to see these kinds of declines. The potential impact goes far beyond the nation's universities. Under threat is an economic and social system that is largely nurtured by talents and skills that are not grown at home. Mike Hanna, Al Jazeera, Washington.

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