There will probably be far fewer foreign students on campuses nationwide this fall following the Trump administration’s crackdown on international visas.
A report released this week predicts international enrollment will decrease by 9.5 percent this fall, a decline of about 111,000 students at U.S. colleges and universities. Those figures are from NAFSA: Association of International Educators and research firm JB International.
Last year, the government restricted visitors from dozens of countries, such as Afghanistan and Yemen, citing security concerns. And last month, the Department of Homeland Security finalized a rule that will bar international students from staying in the U.S. for longer than four years without an extension, which could create challenges for students in lengthy doctoral programs or those who hoped to remain in the U.S. for temporary work after school.
NAFSA, an advocate for foreign students, predicted the enrollment decline could lead to the loss of billions of dollars to schools and local economies, as well as a decline of more than 39,000 jobs.
Some colleges say they have already been forced to eliminate programs or lay off staff because of declines in foreign students.
The NAFSA numbers are projections. The State Department hasn’t updated its monthly visa data since September, and many schools wait until fall to report details on their incoming classes.
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