New international enrollment declines at U.S. universities
By: Christopher Cann
USA Today
..... The number of international students newly enrolling in U.S. universities plummeted this fall [2025] as foreign-born students navigate visa restrictions and other hurdles imposed by the Trump administration, according to figures released November 17. [2025
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The study, conducted by the nonpartisan Institute of International Education, said new international student enrollments declined by 17% this year [2025] - the largest drop in more than a decade, not including the pandemic.
..... The study sampled over 800 higher education institutions. Most cited visa-related concerns and travel restrictions for the drop in new enrollments.
..... In President Donald Trump;s second term in office, international students have faced a range of obstacles to study in the United States, including visa terminations, harsher screening and, for some, detentions for speech.
..... The total number of international students on university campuses nationwide decreased by 1% form the last academic year, [2024-2025] according to the study, a figure that includes students who enrolled in previous years.
..... In total, nearly 57% of universities reported a decrease in new international students this fall, [2025] while 29% saw increases and others held steady.
..... The drop in new international student enrollment is a developing trend: In the fall of 2024, the annual study noted a 7% decrease.
..... A study released November 17 [2025] by the nonprofit NAFSA: association of International Educators said the plummeting international student enrollment rate could cost over $1.1 billion in lose revenue and lead to nearly 23,0000 fewer jobs.
..... In the 2023-2024 school year alone, foreign students contributed more than $43 billion to the U.S. economy, the nonprofit said.
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The Trump administration has claimed down on international students this year, [2025] drawing rebuke, protests and legal challenges.
..... In May, [2025] officials tired to halt international students form entering the country to study at Harvard University, a move that was blocked by a federal judge. The same month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the Unites Stats would "aggressively revoke" visas from Chinese students.
..... But recently, the administration has sent mixed messages about international students.
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On November 11, [2025] Trump defended a plan he announced in August [2025] to give 600,000 visas to Chinese students looking to study in the United States, arguing that foreign students are vital to keeping American universities afloat.
..... "It's not that I want them,but I view it as a business," he said in an appearance on Fox News' "The Ingrham Angle."
..... Contributing BrieAnna J. Frank and Zachary Schermele, USA Today