In August, which is the peak period for new students entering school, the number of people entering the United States with student visas has dropped to the lowest level in four years, with the most significant decline coming from Asian countries.
According to the latest data from the United States International Trade Administration (ITA), the number of foreign students traveling to the United States in August was slightly over 313,000, a 19% decrease compared to the same period last year. This marks the fifth consecutive monthly decline and the lowest number of incoming students in August since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Over the past 12 months, the total number of students coming to the U.S. has fallen by nearly 12%.
Asian students, as the largest group of students with U.S. student visas, have been particularly affected. In August, around 191,000 Asian students with student visas traveled to the U.S., representing a 24% decrease, which is the main reason for the overall decline in the number of international students. The number of students from the 13 largest countries or regions in Asia has decreased, with Indian students decreasing by 45% and Chinese students decreasing by 12%.
Bloomberg reported that the new visa review measures implemented by the U.S. government during the summer have had a chilling effect on foreign students who wish to pursue higher education in the United States, leading to American universities losing billions of dollars in revenue.
Zuzana Cepla Wootson, Deputy Director of Federal Policy at the Association of International Educators and Immigrants, stated that if this trend continues, it will have significant impacts not only on campuses and students but also on the overall economy. The organization includes leaders from American universities.
Wootson predicts that the number of foreign students entering the U.S. in September may further decline.
Industry estimates previously suggested that the number of new international student enrollments for the fall semester this year could decrease by as much as 40%. According to the estimates by the Association of International Educators and Immigrants (NAFSA), this could result in approximately $7 billion in losses for American universities.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, international students contributed nearly $44 billion to the U.S. economy and created around 400,000 job opportunities. The organization mentioned that every three international students could create one job opportunity in the United States.
In late May, the United States suspended student visa interviews and enhanced the review process, including examining applicants’ social media profiles, resulting in a backlog at embassies.
The immigration data does not distinguish between new students and returning students. Wootson noted that due to the U.S. government’s scrutiny of international students, many students who already hold student visas may choose to stay in the U.S. rather than returning to their home countries.
As the latest student visa data was released, the Trump administration announced reforms to the H-1B visa program for foreign skilled workers. Last week, the President signed a proclamation for comprehensive reforms to the program, including charging new applicants a fee of $100,000.
The H-1B visa is also a significant pathway for foreign students to remain and work in the U.S. Some analysts believe that if the new policies by the Trump administration can effectively target fraudulent practices or multiple visa applications, elite international students graduating from American universities may have more opportunities to stay or increase their likelihood of remaining in the U.S.