With the new administration came a rise in anti-immigrant sentiment, and America’s education institutions are feeling the changes. Fewer and fewer foreign students are applying for student visas, and universities are receiving fewer international applicants. This trend is particularly worrying for institutions that rely on international students to fill their programs.
Students who are applying to American universities are expressing a great deal of concern over the so-called “Trump Affect.” Many are afraid of discrimination and are struggling to reassure their families that they will be safe in the U.S. School officials are reporting that the anti-immigrant policies and changes are particularly affecting students from the Middle East. School officials are concerned at the lack of applicants, but they also are concerned that those who do apply may choose to decline their acceptances.
Graduate school applications have been hit particularly hard, and many leading public and private universities are reporting diminished numbers of applicants. While the spots in these programs may still be filled, the reduced number of applicants may lower the quality of the applicant pool. International students often are hard-working, driven, and highly intelligent students, and contribute positively to the quality of their chosen programs.
The current global economy and growing tensions between the U.S. and other nations is also cited as a cause for students to rethink their plans to study in the U.S. Across the world, changes in the economies of many countries may leave students hesitant to study abroad, and the U.S. has a decreased pull on international students. More are choosing to remain in their home country or close by to decrease their education expenses.
Foreign students are an asset to the U.S. and American universities for a number of reasons. Not only do they bring diverse, multicultural viewpoints to the classroom, but they also contribute about $32 billion a year to the U.S. economy. Many international students also integrate into the U.S. work force, contributing talent and knowledge into many industries. Skilled and educated workers are in high demand, especially in the technology and science fields, and foreign students often graduate to jobs in these industries. Losing these talented immigrants may cost America a great deal in technology innovation. This may cause the U.S. to fall behind other competing nations. America’s current political client may be interpreted as hostile by many foreign students, and they may choose to contribute their talent and experience elsewhere.
If you have questions about current immigration laws and policies, or wonder how they may affect you, get in touch with our Dallas immigration attorneys. We are here to answer your questions, as well as help you navigate the complex process of immigration, whither you are seeking permanent resident status or a student visa. Learn how Akula & Associates, P.C. can help you today.
Contact our offices by calling (844) 299-5003 to request a consultation.