Lana Oconnell
Whether or not immigrants count as international students is a topic of debate, with some arguing that international students should be counted as immigrants to keep immigration numbers low, particularly in the UK and the US. International students are defined as those who move to a foreign country for educational purposes, typically enrolling in tertiary or higher degree courses. They usually come to a country on a student visa and are not allowed to work, except for a limited number of hours on their campus. On the other hand, immigrants and refugees have a wider range of goals and reasons for studying, and they are encouraged to find employment. While some countries like Canada view international students as 'ideal immigrants', critics argue that the system is not welcoming to the world, and there is a lack of support for international students' well-being and protection from racism and marginalization.
Characteristics of immigrants and international students
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of an immigrant | A person who leaves their country to settle in another country, permanently. |
| Permanence | The question of permanence is complicated—for some, it means forever, while for others, forever can start at different times. |
| Definition of an international student | An individual studying in a country on a non-immigrant, temporary visa that allows for academic study at the post-secondary level. |
| Visa status | Immigrants may have a wide variety of legal statuses, including green card holders, permanent residents, and US citizens. International students typically hold a student visa. |
| Purpose | Immigrants may have a wider variety of goals and reasons for studying. International students come for the express purpose of studying at academic institutions. |
| Work | Immigrants are encouraged to find employment. International students are not allowed to work, except for a limited number of hours on their campuses. |
| Age | The average age of international students is lower than that of immigrants, ranging from 16-25 years old. Immigrant students range from 18-69 years old or older. |
| English proficiency | Immigrants tend to have more exposure to spoken English, while international students have more exposure to written English. |
| Economic impact | International students from countries like India add over $30 billion to the UK economy annually. |
| Political considerations | The inclusion of international students in immigration numbers can be used to keep overall immigration figures low. |
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What You'll Learn
International students' contribution to the economy
The classification of international students as immigrants is a highly contested issue, with proponents of this view aiming to keep overall immigration numbers low. However, opponents argue that this stance is detrimental to the economy, as international students make significant contributions.
International students contribute substantially to the economies of their host countries. In the United States, for instance, international students contributed approximately $44 billion to the economy during the 2023-2024 academic year, supporting over 378,000 jobs. This impact is felt across various sectors, including real estate, restaurants, and other consumer-oriented businesses. States with a high concentration of universities, such as Texas, Massachusetts, and California, benefit significantly from the economic impact of international students.
The economic significance of international students extends beyond tuition fees. They contribute to the local economy through their spending on rent, dining out, travel, and other expenses. Additionally, the presence of international students can lead to the creation of more jobs, both within the university and in the surrounding community, to accommodate the increased demand for goods and services.
International students also bring a range of long-term benefits to the economy. They can become highly skilled immigrants, entrepreneurs, and innovators, creating jobs and driving economic growth. For example, Shahid Khan, an international student from Pakistan, went on to become a successful businessman, creating numerous job opportunities for locals.
Furthermore, international students contribute to scientific and technical research, fostering innovation and global competitiveness. They also bring diverse perspectives to classrooms, enriching the educational experience for domestic students and preparing them for global careers. The economic impact of international students is not limited to the United States, as countries like the United Kingdom also benefit significantly. For example, international students from India add over $30 billion to the UK economy annually.
In summary, international students make significant contributions to the economies of their host countries, both in the short and long term. Their presence creates jobs, stimulates various sectors of the economy, and fosters innovation and global competitiveness. As such, international students are invaluable assets that contribute positively to the economic landscape.
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Immigration policy and employment availability
The relationship between immigration policy and employment availability is a complex one, with many nuances and variations across different countries. In this response, I will focus on the case of the United States, a country that has long benefited from immigration in terms of its economic growth and cultural diversity.
In the United States, immigration policy has a direct impact on the availability of employment for immigrants. The country's immigration regime includes five "preference" categories for workers seeking to immigrate permanently and work in the United States. These categories are based on factors such as the worker's level of education, skill set, and whether they are being sponsored by a prospective employer. Each year, there is a cap on the number of visas available within each category, and no single country can receive more than 7% of the visas in a given category. This system can result in lengthy waits for prospective immigrants, as the demand for visas often exceeds the supply.
The impact of immigration policy on employment availability is further complicated by the distinction between permanent and temporary workers. Hiring an immigrant worker as a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) is a complex and time-consuming process for employers. As a result, some employers may opt to hire temporary workers, who can fill labour shortages but may not receive the same wages or benefits as LPRs. This dynamic can create a two-tiered system where temporary workers are more vulnerable to exploitation and may have little financial incentive to pursue legal work visas.
Immigration policy can also influence the overall availability of jobs in the domestic labour market. Immigration is generally positive for the balance of taxes and spending at the federal level in the United States. Immigrants contribute substantial tax revenue, with their contributions far exceeding the benefits they receive. However, flawed immigration policies can result in wage suppression for both immigrants and U.S.-born workers. Employers may take advantage of the precarious status of some immigrant workers to suppress wage growth in certain sectors.
In conclusion, immigration policy and employment availability are intricately linked. While immigration can positively impact a country's economy and labour force, flawed policies can lead to exploitation, wage suppression, and an uneven playing field for immigrant and domestic workers alike. Policy reforms that address these issues are necessary to maximize the benefits of immigration for all workers.
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International students' mental health and well-being
International students are those who move to a foreign country for educational purposes, typically enrolling in tertiary or higher degree courses. This definition does not distinguish between students holding non-resident visas and those with permanent resident status. While international students add immense value to their host countries, their contribution often becomes a subject of debate in the context of immigration.
A study of 193 international first-year students in Lithuania found that 59% exhibited symptoms of depression, 36% showed signs of anxiety, and only 56% reported sufficient well-being. Another study of over 300 international students revealed frequent feelings of loneliness, tiredness, sadness, and worry, along with the emergence of syndrome-like tendencies resembling paranoia, anxiety, and depression.
To support international students' mental health, many universities offer on-campus counseling services, including individual counseling, group therapy, and mental health workshops. Additionally, online mental health resources, such as BetterHelp, provide international students with access to therapy and support groups. Building a support network of friends, mentors, and peers can also promote emotional and social well-being.
International schools play a vital role in prioritizing students' mental health and well-being. They provide counseling services, conduct mindfulness workshops, and invite mental health professionals to raise awareness about stress management and other relevant topics. By creating a supportive environment and encouraging open conversations about mental health, international schools help students thrive academically and emotionally.
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International students' visa requirements
International students are defined as those who move to a foreign country for educational purposes, enrolling in a tertiary or higher degree, with a length of stay of more than one year and up to seven years. This definition distinguishes between “foreign students” and “credit-mobile students” or exchange students.
The visa requirements for international students vary depending on the country of destination. Here is an overview of the visa requirements for international students wishing to study in the United States:
United States Student Visa Requirements:
- International students who wish to study in the United States generally need to obtain a student visa.
- The two main types of nonimmigrant visas for students are the F and M visas.
- The F-1 Visa is for full-time academic studies, while the M-1 Visa is for full-time vocational studies.
- To be eligible for an F-1 or M-1 visa, students must be enrolled in an approved academic or vocational program, respectively, at a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
- Students must also be proficient in English or enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency, have sufficient funds for self-support during their studies, and maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving it up.
- Students must apply for their visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate and may be required to attend an interview.
- Certain fees, such as visa application and issuance fees, may apply.
- Students must also submit specific documents, including a passport valid for at least six months beyond their period of stay, photos that meet the required specifications, and a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20).
- Additionally, students must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS) and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
- The J-1 exchange visitor visa is another option for foreign nationals participating in work-and-study-based exchange programs.
It is important to note that the United States maintains a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) database, which contains detailed records of international student visas. This allows for accurate data on the number of international students in the country.
While the focus here is on the United States, other countries, such as those in the OECD, also attract a large number of international students. Countries like the United States that are prominent destinations for international students are generally better at maintaining data on international students, which can be useful for understanding migration patterns and the impact of international students on the economy.
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International students' impact on a country's reputation
The definition of an international student is someone who moves to a foreign country to pursue their educational goals. International students are not immigrants, as the latter group intends to settle in another country permanently. However, the distinction between the two groups is blurred, and the question of permanence is complicated.
International students have a significant impact on a country's reputation. Firstly, they contribute financially to their host countries. For example, international students from India add over $30 billion to the UK economy annually. This substantial economic contribution can enhance a country's reputation and global standing.
Secondly, international students can foster cultural exchange and create ties between their host country and their home nations. By studying in a foreign country, international students develop friendships with locals, gain an understanding of the local culture and society, and act as cultural ambassadors for their home countries. This exchange can promote international understanding and improve the host country's reputation for tolerance and cultural diversity.
However, the impact of international students on a country's reputation can be complex and multifaceted. In some cases, the presence of a large international student population may be perceived as a threat to social mobility for domestic students, particularly if it is seen to limit their chances of admission to elite universities. Additionally, international students may face challenges in adapting to their host country, including language barriers and sociocultural differences, which could potentially impact the host country's reputation for inclusivity and accessibility.
The treatment of international students by a country's government can also significantly affect its reputation. For example, the Trump administration's efforts to reduce foreign student enrollment and revoke visas based on free speech activities have been criticized as "adversarial" and detrimental to the country's reputation as a top higher education destination.
In conclusion, international students can impact a country's reputation through economic contributions, cultural exchange, and the policies and actions of the host country's government. A country that fosters a welcoming environment for international students and leverages their presence to promote cultural understanding and diversity may enhance its global reputation positively.
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Frequently asked questions
An immigrant is a person who leaves their country to settle in another country, typically permanently. International students, on the other hand, enter a country on a temporary visa for the express purpose of studying. They are not allowed to work, except for a limited number of hours on their university campuses.
In the UK, Prime Minister Theresa May has supported counting international students as immigrants to keep overall immigration numbers low, especially after Brexit. However, critics argue that this is an "absurd policy" that has damaged the UK's university sector and reputation abroad.
International students contribute significantly to the economies of their host countries. For example, international students from countries like India add over $30 billion to the UK economy annually. In Canada, international students contributed approximately $22 billion to the economy, with an estimated $5.1 billion in annual revenue going to Canadian universities.
