For decades, the dream of studying at a university in the United States has attracted international students seeking excellence and promising opportunities. The United States has been the preferred destination for foreign students for many years, thanks to its rich, innovative, and ambitious educational environment, as well as its status as a global talent hub. High school students around the world are currently going through a critical life stage, preparing to make one of the most fateful decisions: enrolling in university. The 'International Federation of Teachers' has warned that if this decline continues, the United States could lose up to seven billion dollars in revenue and 60,000 jobs related to international education this year alone. A recent research paper from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine showed that current and proposed immigration restrictions could negatively impact the workforce in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, as well as the country's economic growth. It is projected that U.S. GDP losses could range from $240 to $481 billion annually over the next decade due to the reduction in international students. Studies also confirm that international students do not compete with American citizens for jobs; instead, they contribute to creating new job opportunities after graduation. Every fall, millions of students evaluate their options, seeing the openness of Canada, the clarity of the United Kingdom, and the appeal of Australia, while at the same time becoming more aware of the challenges posed by American policies. The question facing policymakers in the United States is whether the country still wants to remain the top destination for global talent, or if it will be content to watch this talent move to other countries. If current policies continue, the next Einstein, Sergey Brin, or even Elon Musk might choose to develop their talents elsewhere, outside the United States. Last year, international students contributed $43 billion to the U.S. economy. Study: International students do not compete with Americans for jobs but help create new ones. American universities, from community colleges to elite 'Ivy League' institutions, attracted around 1.1 million international students just last year. These students came not just for degrees to return to their home countries, but to participate in a scientific community that helps shape the global course of innovation, from Silicon Valley startups to advanced cancer research labs. However, this appeal has recently begun to fade due to difficult changes in U.S. travel and study policies. According to an analysis published by The New York Times, the number of international students arriving in the U.S. last August fell by 20% compared to the previous year, an unprecedented decline except during the COVID-19 pandemic when travel, study, and many other activities were halted. Educational institutions are beginning to feel the impact of this drop: Niagara University in New York recorded a 45% decline in international student enrollment this semester, while DePaul University in Chicago saw a sharp 62% drop in new international graduate students. Even prestigious public universities, such as the University of Wisconsin-Madison, reported a decline of over 35% in their new international student numbers. This decline is not a coincidence or the result of academic or demographic factors but is directly linked to the policies of the Trump administration. The administration took a series of measures that made studying in America more complicated, including 'social media audits,' as well as revoking some students' visas due to controversial political posts. Additionally, the administration proposed scrapping the 'duration of status' system, which for years had allowed students to remain in the U.S. for their entire period of study without needing to repeatedly renew their visas. The situation was further complicated by imposing fees of up to $100,000 on some H-1B visa applications, which many international graduates rely on to stay and work after graduation. With such policies, it is natural for international students to rethink the 'American dream' and for the number of incoming students to decline. Last year, international students were a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, contributing approximately $43 billion and supporting nearly 375,000 jobs across various sectors. The tuition fees they pay also help sustain many universities, especially those in small towns that heavily depend on student spending. If this reputation is lost, the country's economy and innovation will inevitably decline. A study by the National Foundation for American Policy found that each H-1B visa holder in a tech field creates an average of five new jobs for Americans. This is not surprising; immigrants have always been a pillar of innovation in the U.S. Forty percent of Americans who have won Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry, and Medicine since 2000 are immigrants, many of whom started their journey as international students. Nearly half of American startups valued at over a billion dollars were founded by immigrants or with their participation. In other words, creating obstacles for international students who wish to work in the United States does not protect American interests but hinders growth and innovation, increasing economic burdens. Meanwhile, other countries are beginning to adopt more open policies to attract global talent. Canada, Australia, and the UK have expanded post-graduation work rights and streamlined visa processes. Meanwhile, Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands currently offer English-language educational programs and clear pathways to residency, making global competition for international students even fiercer as the United States cedes its leading position. However, this decline is not inevitable. Congress, the current U.S. administration, and the courts can take immediate steps to reverse the course. The State Department can prioritize student visa processing and expedite approvals. The administration can lift travel restrictions from 19 countries while maintaining a high level of security. Legislators can reinstate the 'duration of status' system, which provides stability for students and universities, while courts have the authority to overturn the exorbitant fees for H-1B visas. The role of universities and companies is no less important; in the past, pressure from the tech sector helped to derail some of Trump's controversial policies. A similar alliance between universities, tech companies, and chambers of commerce could help change the perception of international students as an economic and scientific force rather than a threat. Stephen Yale-Loehr, Professor Emeritus of Immigration Law at Cornell Law School.
