US Faces 30% Drop in International Student Arrivals

What Happened?

• The number of international students arriving in the US on student visas fell by almost 30% in July 2025 compared to July 2024.
• Students from India (-46%) and China (-26%)—the two biggest sources of international students—saw the steepest declines.
• Other key countries like Vietnam (-36%), South Korea (-20%), and Taiwan (-14.5%) also showed significant drops.

In numbers:

• July 2024: 106,993 arrivals
• July 2025: 76,519 arrivals

Why Did This Happen?

1. Visa Interview Suspension – The US State Department temporarily paused student visa interviews worldwide, creating a backlog.
2. Trump Administration Policies – Restrictive and “unwelcoming” measures discouraged international students.
   • Mass revocation of student visas last spring.
   • Stricter social media vetting during visa processes.
   • A travel ban affecting students from 19 countries.
   • High-profile cases like the government’s attacks on Harvard University.
3. Student Choices – Some international students already in the US preferred not to return home for summer, fearing visa re-entry issues.

Why Is This a Big Deal?

• International students bring billions of dollars to the US economy through tuition fees, housing, and living expenses.
• A 30–40% decline in new enrolments this fall could mean a $7 billion loss for the US.
• Universities depend heavily on this income, especially from Indian and Chinese students.

What Are Experts Saying?

• Fanta Aw (CEO of NAFSA): Warned that the US risks losing its global position as the top study destination if it continues with “unwelcoming rhetoric” and restrictive policies.
• Stakeholders are urging the US government to:
  • Prioritize student visa appointments.
  • Exempt students from travel bans.

What’s Next?

• If fewer students come now, the effects won’t just be short-term. Universities, local economies, and even the global image of the US as a study hub could suffer for years.
• Countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia might attract students who would otherwise have gone to the US.

In short:
The US saw a huge drop in international student arrivals in July 2025 due to visa delays and restrictive Trump-era policies. This could cost the economy billions and damage the US’s reputation as the world’s leading study destination.

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