Trump’s Reshaping of Higher Education Tests America’s Appeal for International Students
The “durability” of America’s appeal faces a test. The volume and pace of early actions by the Trump administration have caused fear through international student communities, both those studying here and those considering the US. The result has been a deep uncertainty about whether the US remains a welcoming destination. At Shorelight, we’ve worked tirelessly to cut through the noise and reassure students that the US still stands for openness and opportunity. While these recent actions have challenged that message, the good news is that the promise of an American education still resonates.
American universities, home to many programs at the top of their fields, have long appealed to students around the world hoping to pursue research and get a foothold in the U.S. job market. The durability of that demand faces a test under the Trump administration, which has taken actions that have left international students feeling vulnerable and considering alternate places to study.
Read the full story from the AP >
GOP Proposes Five-Fold Increase in Tax on College Endowments
Targeting university endowments misunderstands their function and feels political. Universities typically spend only 4-5% annually on essential activities while preserving long-term value. While elite institutions draw attention, most endowments, especially at public and under-resourced universities, are modest but crucial. Many consider an alternative increasing taxes and transparency, alongside reforms promoting broader public benefit, would better support students and higher education’s future.
The legislation, released Monday, would create a tiered tax on college endowments, a collection of donations and investments that pay for salaries, research, financial aid and other expenses. Instead of the current 1.4 percent tax on the net investment income of private schools with an endowment of more than $500,000 per student, House Republicans want to raise that tax as high as 21 percent.
Learn more on the Washington Post >
International College Students Bring Billions to the US. Here’s Why That May Change.
This is a really interesting take on how our competitors are trying to jump on what they see as a moment of doubt in the US’s commitment to higher education. Even though the US is still the top pick for international students, we can’t take that for granted – we need to keep actively welcoming them and providing great opportunities in education and research. This article shows how others are ready to pounce if we don’t.
The first week of May, some of the European Union’s most high-profile leaders gathered to launch a new initiative called “Choose Europe for Science.” Speaking from the Sorbonne, France’s most prominent university, they announced a 500-million euro investment meant to attract foreign researchers and college students to campuses across Europe.
“The investment in fundamental, free and open research is questioned. What a gigantic miscalculation,” she said, adding that “science has no passport, no gender, no ethnicity or political party.” – Ursula von der Leyen
Get the full story on USA Today >
Heightened Scrutiny of F-1 Students Continues Amid I-765 OPT Background Checks
At Shorelight, our team has been participating in global webinars to update students, families, and education agents on the current landscape of international education in the US. Our team has shared valuable insights on enrollment trends, OPT, and H-1B, while Government Affairs has provided updates on policy changes impacting students. A recurring theme we emphasize is the heightened scrutiny students now face, from visa interviews to OPT applications. We consistently advise students to prepare thoroughly, ensure all documents are in order, be genuine during consular interviews, and strictly follow immigration rules once in the US. This recent article on increased OPT scrutiny is a worthwhile read for anyone supporting students through that process.
Although ICE restored SEVIS records in many cases, the impact of the 2025 enforcement campaign is now surfacing in other contexts—most notably in I-765 Requests for Evidence (RFEs) issued during Optional Practical Training (OPT) applications. These RFEs often state that a background check has been conducted and disclose that the applicant was arrested or charged with a crime, regardless of whether the case was resolved or dismissed.
