Small US College Towns Reel Amid Trump Immigration Crackdown: ‘They Need International Students’
Over the past several weeks, reports across major outlets have highlighted a troubling trend — fewer international students are arriving on US campuses for Fall 2025. Shorelight’s own insights confirm what many institutions are already experiencing: the decline in international enrollment carries far-reaching consequences. Beyond the financial impact, the loss undermines research and innovation, diminishes the academic and cultural experience for all students, and weakens future global partnerships. Unlike previous disruptions such as the pandemic, this downturn is largely self-inflicted, driven by the current administration’s policies that are making the United States a less-welcoming destination for global talent.
While mid-sized and large cities and wealthy small towns such as Ithaca, New York – home to Cornell University – can typically take the financial hit from the loss of thousands of international students due to their diversified economies, less affluent towns, whose economies have never fully recovered from the loss of students on-site during the pandemic, remain imperiled.
USCIS Procedural Updates for OPT/STEM Applicants
In recent weeks, multiple reports indicate that USCIS officers are conducting site visits targeting foreign students and workers with pending applications. These visits have primarily focused on individuals with STEM/OPT applications and H-1B change of status petitions, occurring at both workplaces and residences, sometimes without prior notice.
For those of us advising students who might experience an unannounced site visit, it is crucial to remind them not to panic. They should request identification from the USCIS employee, answer questions honestly, and contact their ISSS office immediately after the visit.
These visits highlight the importance of strict compliance with OPT and H-1B requirements. Students and employers should be proactive in maintaining records and should reach out to legal counsel if visited by USCIS.
Learn more from The University of Texas at Dallas >
First Legal Challenge to Presidential Proclamation Imposing $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
As previously reported, President Trump has created a $100k H-1B visa fee. The fee went into effect in late September. As anticipated, the fee has generated a lot of controversy and concern. This fee is one of many issues that will be facing legal challenges in the near future.
The lawsuit contends that the $100,000 fee is unauthorized by statute, was implemented without required procedures, and will cause significant harm to U.S. employers, workers, and the public interest.
