Take Action Today!
More than two weeks ago, the State Department announced a worldwide halt on new F, J, and M visa interviews. This comes at a peak time when at least half of new international students still need to schedule a visa interview appointment in order to make it to campus in time for the fall semester.
Convey to Congress that this suspension jeopardizes the contributions international students and scholars make to every corner of this country, including billions of dollars in local spending and potentially life-changing scientific discoveries and technological innovations.
We cannot afford to close our doors to the next generation of global leaders, innovators, and allies. Join NAFSA and the U.S. for Success Coalition in urging congressional action at this pivotal moment. Please customize your messages to Congress with specific examples of how international students and scholars positively impact your institution and community and the harm that will occur if they cannot arrive on campus on time.
Be sure to share this call to action widely across your networks and social media channels.
Trump’s War on International Students Could Hurt Private Schools, Too
We’re beginning to see increased reporting on how the loss of international students is impacting smaller institutions, particularly private faith-based colleges. These schools often view international education as an extension of their global missions, welcoming students from around the world as part of their commitment to cross-cultural exchange and service. With international student cohorts ranging from 0% to 26%, the decline in enrollment is having a dual impact: straining their financial stability and undermining their global outreach goals.
Among private Christian schools, including seminaries, the attraction is seeking high-quality religious education that often prepares graduates to return to their home countries as ministry leaders. Among Southern Baptists, this movement began with the expansion of U.S. missionaries going around the world and recruiting international students to their alma maters.
Read more on Baptist News Global >
Deal to Get US-China Trade Truce Back on Track Is Done, Trump Says
For those following the ongoing tariff discussions, you’ve likely seen the news that the US and China have reached a new trade agreement. The hope is that this marks a final deal and brings much-needed stability to the economic relationship between our two countries. The back-and-forth over tariffs has created significant disruption for markets, businesses of all sizes, and diplomatic relations.
Notably, President Trump referenced Chinese students in the announcement—a positive signal for Shorelight and the broader international education community.
“Our deal with China is done, subject to final approval with President Xi and me,” Trump said on Truth Social. “Full magnets, and any necessary rare earths, will be supplied, up front, by China. Likewise, we will provide to China what was agreed to, including Chinese students using our colleges and universities (which has always been good with me!). We are getting a total of 55% tariffs, China is getting 10%.”
Senate Higher Ed Bill Walks Back Some House Proposals
It’s been a while since the House passed their version of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill.” The bill has drawn controversy for its deep cuts to key social and higher education programs. The Senate is now working to find a path forward, as many Senate Republicans have indicated they won’t support the House version without changes. With slim majorities in both chambers, negotiations are delicate. This article outlines some of the most significant potential impacts to higher education.
“This bill is an improvement from the House’s version, and we acknowledge that the Senate listened to the higher education community,” said Emmanual Guillory, senior director of government relations at the American Council on Education. But over all, “this bill is still going to have an impact on access to postsecondary education, and that will be reduced access for low-income students.”
