Savanna Hoffman
The Trump administration's crackdown on visas has resulted in universities sending students home. The University of Utah, Duke University, and UC Berkeley are among those affected, with international students facing visa revocations and warnings about the risks of travelling abroad. This has caused confusion and fear among students, who are unsure about their legal status and the possibility of returning to the US. Colleges also faced criticism for their handling of the pandemic, with many sending students home abruptly, only to invite them back and spark outbreaks on campuses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 25 April 2025 |
| Location | United States |
| Reason | Turmoil surrounding visas |
| Universities | Duke University, UC Berkeley |
| Number of Campuses | At least 5 |
| Students Affected | International students |
| Action Taken by Universities | Issued warnings about leaving the United States |
| University in China that sent students home | Tsinghua University |
| University in India that sent students home | Silicon Valley University, North Western Polytechnic University |
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What You'll Learn
International students face visa issues in the US
International students have long been attracted to US colleges, which offer unparalleled education and research opportunities. During the 2023-24 academic year, 1.1 million international students attended college in the US, contributing nearly $43.8 billion to the economy and supporting over 378,000 jobs. However, the Trump administration's recent visa crackdown has caused uncertainty and instability for international students and the colleges that rely on their tuition fees.
Since Trump's first term, universities have witnessed a decline in international student enrollment. Applications from China have dropped significantly, and those from Russia have all but dried up. The Trump administration's increasingly tough stance on visas is a key factor, with students reluctant to spend time and money on applications that may be rejected.
The situation has escalated with the Trump administration ordering US embassies to pause scheduling visa interviews for foreign students, citing the implementation of comprehensive social media screening for all international applicants. This freeze could severely delay visa processing, impacting universities that rely on revenue from foreign students. The administration has previously imposed social media screening requirements, targeting students who participated in pro-Palestinian campus protests or expressed support for the Palestinian cause.
The visa crackdown has had significant consequences for international students, with some left "stranded" after having their visas revoked. They face challenges in rebuilding their lives, including difficulties with reenrollment and employment. The expanded grounds for terminating student status have left many fearful of arbitrary termination, and the complex process of reinstating records adds to their struggles.
While the Trump administration has faced backlash for its treatment of international students, the impact on US colleges is undeniable. With international students paying full tuition fees and contributing significantly to the economy, the decline in enrollment has financial ramifications for colleges and the country.
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US students are choosing foreign universities
US students are increasingly choosing foreign universities for their higher education. This shift is driven by various factors, including the desire for a less tumultuous educational experience, concerns about visa difficulties, and the impact of US political and social issues on their sense of safety and belonging.
The number of US undergraduates enrolling in foreign universities has been rising. For instance, the University of British Columbia has witnessed a significant increase in US students, with numbers more than doubling from 107 to 227 in a single year. The University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto have also reported heightened interest from American applicants. This trend is not limited to Canada; students are also opting for universities in Europe. Heidi Gilman, a high school senior from Northern Virginia, chose Trinity College Dublin over her initial choice, the University of California San Diego, due to her disillusionment with American politics following Trump's re-election. Similarly, a Venezuelan American man from Texas decided to pursue his master's degree at University College London instead of a Texas university, fearing deportation under the Trump administration's policies.
The shift towards foreign universities among US students is not just a result of political and social concerns but also the pursuit of diverse educational opportunities. The US higher education system has long attracted international students with its renowned institutions, like the Ivy League colleges, and the promise of unparalleled research and academic experiences. However, the recent cuts in federal funding for research and diversity programs in US universities have prompted some American students to explore international options.
Additionally, the US's reputation for high tuition fees and limited financial aid for international students has influenced the decisions of some American students. Private colleges in the US often heavily discount their stated tuition prices, and international students, who are not eligible for federal assistance, end up paying full or near-full prices. In contrast, many foreign universities, particularly in Europe, offer more affordable tuition and, in some cases, need-blind admission policies and generous financial aid.
While the exact number of American students enrolling in foreign universities is challenging to pinpoint due to a lack of centralized tracking, the trend of US students seeking international education is notable. It reflects a combination of political, social, and academic factors influencing their choices.
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Chinese universities sent students home amid protests
In November 2022, Chinese universities sent students home amid protests against the country's strict "zero-COVID" policy and calls for the resignation of President Xi Jinping. The protests marked the biggest show of public dissent in decades, with crowds expressing their anger over the severe restrictions, which had confined millions of people to their homes.
At least 10 universities across Beijing and the southern province of Guangdong sent their students away, including Tsinghua University, Xi's alma mater, where students had participated in the protests. Universities arranged buses to transport students to airports and train stations and announced that final exams would be conducted remotely. Beijing Forestry University also sent its students home, stating that all faculty and students had tested negative for the virus.
The decision to disperse students was unusual, as it occurred during a time when many cities were imposing controls on movement and telling the public to avoid travel. The ruling Communist Party aimed to tighten anti-virus controls and prevent further protests from occurring. However, in Hong Kong, about 50 students from mainland China protested in support of their peers on the mainland, chanting slogans such as "No PCR tests but freedom!" and "Oppose dictatorship, don't be slaves!".
The protests at Tsinghua University, involving between 200 and 300 students, were particularly notable. Students employed creative tactics, using math equations instead of phrases or slogans, specifically the Friedmann equation. Despite the university's efforts to discuss COVID-related measures with students following the protests, the prospect of future student demonstrations was quelled as dorms were closed due to positive COVID-19 cases.
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Trump's policies are impacting US university applications
Since Trump's inauguration, his administration has been accused of targeting higher education in the country. This has resulted in funding cuts to federal research and programs that encourage diversity on campuses. The administration has also paused student visa interviews and halted the scheduling of new student visa appointments, making it difficult for international students to study in the US. As a result, applications from international students have decreased, and some US citizens are choosing to study abroad.
Trump's policies have had a significant impact on universities' abilities to attract international students. International students are often full-price payers, and without them, universities may struggle financially. For example, Lincoln University has seen its international student body shrink, and it is now operating at a deficit.
Additionally, Trump's policies have created an uncertain future for smaller, lesser-known institutions that have relied on attracting international students. The University of California San Diego, for example, has seen a decrease in applications as students opt for schools in other countries.
Trump's administration has also been accused of trying to suppress free speech and promote ideological conformity on campuses. This has led to protests from students and professors at universities like Harvard, which has been a particular target of the administration.
Overall, Trump's policies are impacting US university applications, both for international students and US citizens. Universities are facing financial difficulties, and students are seeking less tumultuous educational opportunities abroad.
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International students are a source of revenue for US colleges
International students have long been a source of revenue for US colleges, with the country offering unparalleled education and research opportunities to students worldwide. During the 2023-24 academic year, there were 1.1 million international students in the United States, contributing $43.8 billion to the US economy and supporting over 378,000 jobs. This contribution is the highest ever calculated, with the previous record being $41 billion in 2018-19.
International students are a significant source of income for US colleges, as they often pay full or near-full tuition fees, which colleges are tuition-dependent on. Private colleges, in particular, heavily discount their listed tuition prices, and international students, who are not eligible for federal assistance or college financial aid, often pay the full price. This makes international students a lucrative source of revenue for colleges, especially smaller, lesser-known institutions that thrive by attracting students from outside the US.
However, the Trump administration's policies and rhetoric have negatively impacted international student enrollment in US colleges. The number of applications from China has dropped precipitously, and those from Russia have all but dried up. The increasingly difficult process of obtaining US visas has been cited as a reason for this decline. The political attacks and funding cuts to higher education under the Trump administration have also caused some US students to pursue educational opportunities in other countries.
The impact of these changes is evident in the financial situation of Lincoln University, which has seen its international student body shrink. Lincoln is now operating at a deficit and has been forced to sell its flagship building. The decline in international student enrollment has also affected the University of California San Diego, which has seen some American students choose to study abroad instead.
Despite these challenges, international students continue to play a crucial role in the US economy and higher education system. Their contributions extend beyond economic benefits, as they also drive entrepreneurship, innovation, and research. The presence of international students in US colleges fosters a diverse and global learning environment, enriching the educational experience for all students.
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Frequently asked questions
Duke University, UC Berkeley, and Tsinghua University are some of the universities that have sent students home.
These universities warned international students about traveling abroad during the summer, fearing they would not be allowed to return to the US due to rapidly changing immigration policies.
Tsinghua University arranged for students to go home for the semester and conducted final exams remotely due to the growing protests and COVID-19 cases on campus.
Yes, universities across Beijing and the southern province of Guangdong sent students home to prevent future student protests. Beijing Forestry University also sent its students home, citing negative COVID-19 tests for all its students and faculty.
