Trump immigration policy lead to fall in visas issued to foreign students

In spite of strict immigration policies, there was a huge fall in the number of visas last year which were issued to foreign students. The state department data shows the exacerbating challenges faced by some of the US universities and colleges from the financial aspect.

In fact, some of the slides even attributed to the school stepped-up competitions in different countries as well as lack of support for the foreign study from some of the governments.  But according to the officials of the immigration schools and attorneys, the administration policies implemented by Trump are making the United State a difficult option for foreigners.   Again, it also leads to stricter scrutiny for those who apply for foreign studies.

Around 393,573 visas issued to foreign students by the State Department in the year 2017, during the end of September, termed as F-1s.   According to the previous fiscal year, this was almost 17% down and near about 40% below the peak level of 2015.  Among the Indian students,   this year the drop off has been highly dramatic.  A 28% decline has been witnessed in the visa from the Indian students, which has always been the second biggest feeder for US colleges.

Again from China, which is known as the top source of foreign students in the United States, witnessed a huge drop last year, which is almost 24%.  This reduction in a number of foreign students can be traced from 2014 onwards due to the change in visa terms for the Chinese students.  Now the visas are good for the five long years instead of just one year, which means less number of visa renewals, but again that does not mean less number of students.

Students registration for USA Colleges registering steep decline

In the fiscal year of 2017, there was huge fall in the number of visas issued to foreign students, and approximately the value is around 78000 in comparison to the year 2016. This huge fall can be witnessed in all countries, but the number reduced to 35000 if China is excluded.  Setting aside the visa applications from China, there is overall a drop of 13% from 2016 to 2017 fiscal year.

According to the universities, International enrollments help in creating a rich cultural experience for campusing students.  At the same time, it also helps in boosting the school finances, amidst state funding cut at the public universities.  Moreover, the nonresident students usually pay 2 times or rather 3 times more than the local students.  As per the State Higher Education Executive Officers association, if the per-student funding in US public colleges is calculated, then it will be found that there is a 15% down in comparison to the level of 2008.

Section of Americans feels threatened of losing their jobs to Immigrants

Some Americans think that foreigners are taking their spots in the Universities and also getting hold of their jobs as well.  The president, Donald Trump was elected with the vote to protect the workers in America.  His administration has tightened the scrutiny of the employment visa. He has even promised to cut back the programs that allow foreign students to get work in the US, immediately after completing their graduation.  On the other hand, the university recruiters, official and the immigration attorneys say that the foreign students who generally apply for visas are presently undergoing a high level of scrutiny as compared to the past and it should be relaxed to a certain extent as well in order to raise the number of visa renewals and confirmations.

About Post Author

Raima Sen

See author's posts