New international student enrollments at US colleges and universities fell 17% this fall, according to new data released by the Institute of International Education (IIE). The report reflects responses from 825 institutions across the country.
Among the schools reporting a decline:
-96% cited visa application concerns as the main factor.
-68% pointed to travel restrictions put in place under the Trump administration.
Many institutions said students faced long delays due to extended waiting times or a temporary pause in visa issuance earlier this year.
India is the driver of the decline
Most colleges reported sharp declines in new enrollments from India, which make up the largest share of international students in the US. The report said declines from India are likely driving the national trend.
Stricter immigration control under Trump
Policies aimed at international student mobility include:
-Efforts to limit the number of foreign students.
-Authority for consular officers to require visa applicants to have public social media accounts.
-Visa cancellations and delays for students who want to renew.
-These measures added uncertainty for prospective students and institutions.
-29% of schools experienced an increase in new student enrollments.
-57% experienced a decrease.
