A Trump Visa Cull Would Imperil US Universities’ Global Pre-Eminence
The theme in many of the articles this week seems to be uncertainty. It remains unclear what the effect of a second Trump presidency will have on international education in the US. While we know we began to see declines in his first term, the world is different post-pandemic and international student mobility has changed. If we just look at his policies from his first administration, it gives us a roadmap for his second. The question is will he repeat himself in this second term?
International students represent about 5.9 per cent of all students in American higher education, to whose financial and impact models they are essential. Notably, as domestic enrolments have declined, international enrolments have been increasing, reaching an all-time high of more than 1.1 million in 2023-24.
Although the president-elect did not specifically address international student enrolment during the campaign, we can anticipate his policies based on his first presidency and on Project 2025, the blueprint for government action prepared by the Heritage Foundation.
Read more on the Times Higher Ed website >
Elon Musk vs. Stephen Miller: Washington Preps for Battle on High-Tech Immigration
While this article doesn’t discuss students, it is an interesting read and could potentially have a positive impact for students studying and graduating with high-demand STEM degrees. This article is also a perfect example of the potential clash between pro-legal immigration reforms versus immigration restrictionists. It remains unclear the path that the incoming administration will take; Shorelight along with our coalition partners are watching closely.
Silicon Valley views the incoming administration and GOP congressional majority as its best chance in years to pass policies that let in more immigrants with rare skills in science, technology, engineering and math. Though it feels counterintuitive, Trump’s antipathy toward illegal immigration could leave him uniquely positioned to argue for more of the legal kind — especially if it comes wrapped in an argument about making America more competitive.
But tech lobbyists and Musk aren’t the only ones working Trump on STEM immigration. Hardcore immigration restrictionists — informally led by Miller — are also in the president-elect’s ear, cautioning that foreign STEM workers take American jobs and depress wages in high-tech industries. They prevailed during Trump’s previous presidency, when under Miller’s influence, Trump slashed the number of green cards issued and denied applications and extensions for H-1B and other skilled visas, causing some companies to lose skilled workers.
Does 2017’s Travel Ban Still Loom? US Universities Urge Indian, Foreign Students To Rejoin Before Trump 2.0
In our last update, we reported on the travel advisories being issued by several universities. The advice was for all international students to be on campus prior to inauguration day, January 20th, 2025. These advisories were being issued in anticipation of some sort of travel ban, similar to the Muslim ban in 2017. Our team is anticipating Day One actions, but have yet to get any confirmation or specifics on what exactly will happen. As always, we are monitoring this situation closely.
During Donald Trump’s presidency, U.S. international student enrollment declined for the first time in over a decade. Key factors included stricter visa policies, such as the 2017 travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority countries, and reduced scholarships from nations like Saudi Arabia and Brazil. Anti-immigrant rhetoric and “America First” policies created a less welcoming environment, while restrictions on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and H-1B visas deterred students seeking career opportunities. Strained U.S.-China relations and weakened international collaborations further reduced appeal, signaling a broader decline in the U.S.’s attractiveness as a study destination.
Get the full story on The Free Press Journal >
Webinar and New Report Spotlight International Student Financial Barriers and Potential Solutions
In case you missed it, our own Pamela Bates was a guest panelist discussing reporting on some of the financial challenges faced by international students. The report highlighted in the webinar, Hidden Costs, New Alternatives. The Changing Landscape of International Student Funding, describes that while the U.S. has always been a top destination for global talent, prospective international students face a variety of financial challenges that impede their ability to contribute to the future vitality and competitiveness of the nation. As you might guess, Pamela did a great job!
Pamela Bates, chief operating officer, Shorelight, said: “Funding is a major barrier, especially students that are coming from markets that are growing the fastest. We are seeing more and more students need alternative funding sources and we also have seen strong visa acceptance rates for those who have reliable funding sources and can advocate for their ultimate goals and how they plan to fund their education.”
Watch now on the Presidents’ Alliance for Higher Education >
