Impact of COVID Travel Ban on US Higher Education Institutions

COVID-19
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By Shorelight Team
Published on October 13, 2022

Shorelight’s data and expert analysis supported policy changes that allowed international students to travel to the US for the Fall 2021 semester.

This image shows Shorelight's company logo: a traditional fishing-style lantern in orange.

In Fall 2020, Covid travel bans and restrictions were in place for China, the EU, the UK, Brazil, India, North Korea, and Iran. These countries represented 40% of the international student population studying in the US. If the travel bans were not lifted, the impact on Fall 2021 would be devastating for universities across the country.

The Shorelight Analytics team used its data and expertise to highlight the potential economic impact by institution. Shorelight data was validated by the Higher Education Associations and shared with university leaders and lawmakers. Our joint advocacy led to the announcement of the National Interest Exception (NIE) to allow international students to return to the US beginning August 1, 2021. 

View our thorough analysis of the US Covid Policy and the Economic Impact Dashboard >