Visa Delays Under Trump Policies Drive 17% Fall in U.S. International Students

Fall 2025 saw a dramatic 17% decline in new international student enrollment at U.S. colleges, triggered by heightened visa processing delays and immigration policies originating in the Trump administration. This decline follows a 7% fall last academic year and represents the largest non-pandemic drop in over a decade. With over half of surveyed institutions reporting fewer international enrollments, visa-related difficulties have curtailed the U.S.'s position as a top global education hub. The economic impact is significant, with losses estimated at $1.1 billion and thousands of jobs at risk. International students contribute nearly $43 billion annually and support hundreds of thousands of American jobs, underscoring their vital role in the economy.