Trump's Visa Restrictions Strand International Students Ahead of Classes

International students are facing difficulties securing visas due to the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies. This is expected to result in a 30% decline in first-time foreign student enrollment, translating to a $2.6 billion decline in tuition revenue across US campuses. Colleges are providing contingency plans, such as allowing students to start in London, but the situation is expected to have a significant impact on college budgets.

International students are facing significant challenges securing visas due to the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies, which are expected to result in a 30% decline in first-time foreign student enrollment this fall. This decline is projected to translate to a $2.6 billion drop in tuition revenue across US campuses [1].

The impact of these policies is already being felt by colleges. Arizona State University, for instance, estimates that about 1,000 incoming international students still need visas, a hit to the school's budget he estimates would be in the "tens of millions of dollars" [1]. Furman University in South Carolina is also expecting a decline in new student enrollment due to visa delays, with a "significant drop" in international student enrollment [1].

The Trump administration's pause in visa interviews in late May and the subsequent resumption with additional vetting has caused significant delays. Wendy Wolford, vice provost for international affairs at Cornell University, expressed concern about students facing difficulty securing their visas in a timely fashion [1]. The visa delays have been more disruptive than the pandemic, according to Arizona State University President Michael Crow [1].

Colleges are implementing contingency plans to address the issue. The University of Arizona is piloting a London site for students unable to enter or stay in the country. The University of Toronto's Munk School may host Harvard Kennedy School graduate students if they cannot remain in or re-enter the US [1].

The Trump administration's policies extend beyond visa delays. A controversial immigration clause in the administration's agreement with Columbia University, for example, requires the school to decrease international student enrollment [2]. This move is seen as economically unsound, as international students typically pay higher tuition than domestic students.

The impact of these policies is expected to continue, with high school students abroad looking to study elsewhere, potentially losing faith in the US higher education system [1]. The situation highlights the complex interplay between immigration policies and higher education, with significant financial implications for both colleges and the broader economy.

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-05/trump-s-visa-havoc-strands-students-weeks-before-classes-start
[2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/stuartanderson/2025/08/03/trump-and-miller-compel-colleges-not-to-enroll-international-students/