International Students: College Diversity Or Overcrowding?

International students are a highly sought-after demographic for colleges and universities in the United States, contributing $43.8 billion to the nation's economy and supporting over 378,000 jobs in the 2023-24 academic year. However, the Trump administration's immigration policies and the complex, bureaucratic visa system have created a hostile environment for these students, with many facing the risk of detention, deportation, or imprisonment. This has led to a decrease in interest from prospective international students, with some choosing alternative study destinations such as the United Kingdom or Germany. The impact of these policies extends beyond the financial benefits that international students bring, threatening the entire undergraduate experience and academic freedom in American colleges.

International students' impact on the undergraduate experience

International students are a valued part of the undergraduate experience at colleges across the United States. They bring diversity and enrich the campus community. However, in recent years, there have been concerns about the impact of international students on the undergraduate experience, particularly regarding the flow of foreign money into universities and the risk of deportation or detainment.

The presence of international students on college campuses has been a source of debate, with some arguing that there are too many international students enrolled in US colleges. One of the main concerns is the significant amount of foreign money pouring into US universities, with a nonpartisan watchdog group reporting that $60 billion in foreign gifts and contracts were funnelled into these institutions. Of this, $795 million came from nations that are long-standing adversaries of the US, such as China, Russia, Venezuela, and Yemen. This has raised concerns about the influence of foreign actors on higher education and the potential impact on academic freedom and scientific progress.

The impact of international students on the undergraduate experience is not just financial. In recent years, there has been a crackdown on international students by the US government, with reports of students being detained, deported, or having their visas revoked. This has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty for international students and their peers, affecting their ability to focus on learning and growing. For example, the University of Alabama and Columbia University have seen the detention and deportation of international students, respectively, causing concern and confusion within their campus communities.

Furthermore, the undergraduate experience is shaped by the interactions and exchanges between domestic and international students. International students bring diverse perspectives and cultural backgrounds, enriching the learning environment and fostering a more global outlook among their peers. They contribute to a vibrant and dynamic campus life, exposing domestic students to new ideas, customs, and friendships. However, with the recent crackdown and concerns over foreign influence, the undergraduate experience is at risk of becoming more insular and less diverse.

In conclusion, international students have a significant impact on the undergraduate experience in US colleges. While they contribute to campus diversity and enrich the academic environment, there are also concerns about the flow of foreign money and the risk of deportation or detainment. As the undergraduate experience is shaped by the interactions between students from diverse backgrounds, it is essential to address these concerns while also fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for international students.

The risk of international students being detained, deported or imprisoned

International students are highly sought after by colleges and universities in the United States, as they help to counteract declining domestic enrollment and provide a source of full-price tuition payments. In the 2023-2024 academic year, 1.1 million international students in the US contributed a record-breaking $43.8 billion to the nation's economy and supported over 378,000 jobs.

However, the Trump administration's immigration policies and crackdown on noncitizens have resulted in a significant risk of international students being detained, deported, or imprisoned. The administration's efforts to deport foreign students who participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been aided by private groups using facial recognition technology to identify masked protesters. This has led to a climate of fear among international students, who are unsure if they are welcome or safe in the United States.

One notable case is that of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student, who was detained and faced deportation despite holding a valid visa. Khalil was targeted for his participation in pro-Palestinian protests, which the Trump administration deemed "pro-jihadist." He was held in an isolated network of lockups and courts in the US South, known as "Detention Alley," which has a history of rights violations, poor medical treatment, and due process concerns.

Another example is the detention of Alireza Doroudi, an Iranian national and doctoral student at the University of Alabama, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Doroudi's detention was part of the ICE's crackdown on international students, with the agency failing to provide justification for their actions, leading to speculation that the persecution was politically motivated.

The risk of detention, deportation, or imprisonment faced by international students has had a chilling effect on their interest in studying in the United States. Recruiting agencies in India, the largest sender of students to the US, have reported a decrease in the number of students considering American colleges. Many students are opting to wait and see how policy changes play out, while others have already deferred admission offers.

The revocation of international students' visas

International students are highly sought after by colleges and universities in the United States, as they help counteract declining domestic enrolment and provide a source of full-price tuition payments. In the 2023-2024 academic year, international students contributed a record-breaking $43.8 billion to the US economy and supported over 378,000 jobs. However, the presence of international students in US colleges has become a highly politicised issue, with the Trump administration's policies and rhetoric creating an impression that the US is "not welcoming" to foreign students.

In March 2025, the US government began revoking the visas of hundreds of international students, asking them to self-deport using the CBP Home App. The stated reason for these revocations was the participation of these students in campus activism or the expression of views deemed anti-national or pro-Hamas. This crackdown has not been limited to students who physically participated in activism, but also those who shared or even liked certain social media posts. The US government justified these actions by citing the Immigration Nationality Act of 1952, which gives the secretary of state the authority to revoke the visas of foreigners deemed to threaten national security or espouse hateful ideologies.

The use of AI to monitor and target foreign students for visa revocation has raised concerns about the policing of free speech and conduct. This issue has been further complicated by the varied messaging from colleges and universities, with some institutions attempting to reassure international students, while others have suspended study-abroad programs due to concerns about potential travel restrictions. The visa revocation has caused uncertainty and anxiety among international students, with many seeking advice on social media and from immigration lawyers.

The consequences of visa revocation can be severe, as outlined in the emails received by students. Remaining in the US without lawful immigration status can lead to fines, detention, and deportation, and may also impact future visa eligibility. The revocation of visas can also have a broader impact on the perception of the US as a study destination, potentially affecting future enrolment decisions of international students.

The benefits of international students to colleges

International students are important to colleges and universities for several reasons. Firstly, they contribute significantly to the economy, both nationally and locally. For instance, in the 2023-2024 academic year, 1.1 million international students in the US generated an all-time high of $43.8 billion for the country's economy and supported over 378,000 jobs. In the state of New York, international students contributed $5 billion and supported 58,000 jobs.

Secondly, international students help to counteract the slowing growth of the American college-aged population and declining domestic enrollment. The number of high school graduates in the US is projected to increase by a mere 0.2% in the next nine years, compared to a 6% increase in the previous nine years. International students are thus increasingly important to maintain full classes and tuition revenue.

Thirdly, a diverse campus with students from various cultural backgrounds helps prepare all students for life and careers in the 21st century, in today's globalized economy. It provides students with unique cross-cultural experiences, such as celebrating new holidays, trying new cuisines, and travelling to their friends' home countries. It also helps students learn to avoid stereotyping, form more informed opinions, and confront different interpersonal and communication styles, ultimately improving their active listening and critical thinking skills.

Lastly, international students themselves benefit from studying in the US in terms of personal growth, academic advancement, and career development. They gain access to world-class faculty and the opportunity to connect with global industry leaders. They also benefit from the more open social environment in US colleges, which encourages informal interactions and mentorship from faculty and staff.

The amount of foreign money coming from international students

International students are a significant source of foreign money for colleges and universities in the United States. In the 2023-2024 academic year, 1.1 million international students in the US contributed a record-breaking $43.8 billion to the nation's economy and supported more than 378,000 jobs. This figure is even higher when considering the 2021-2022 academic year, during which nearly one million international students in the US generated $33.8 billion and supported 335,000 jobs.

The economic impact of international students is felt across the country, with California, New York, Massachusetts, Texas, and Pennsylvania being the top five states in terms of economic activity. For every three international students, one US job is created or supported. The money brought in by international students is spent on a variety of things, including tuition, renting apartments, textbooks, and food deliveries.

International students are particularly important for community colleges, which have seen a decline in enrollment and funding in recent years. In the 2021-2022 academic year, community colleges attracted just under 50,000 international students, generating $1.3 billion and supporting 6,095 jobs.

While international students provide a welcome financial boost to colleges and universities, they are more than just a source of foreign money. Fanta Aw, who heads NAFSA, an agency promoting international education, emphasizes that international graduate students also play a crucial role in advancing research. Additionally, Dr Esther D Brimmer, NAFSA executive director and CEO, highlights that international students bring a wealth of fresh ideas, talent, and experiences, fueling American innovation.

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