Now that Donald Trump is President, will international students stop coming to US universities?

While it is unlikely that international students will completely stop coming to U.S. universities under a second Trump administration, several factors suggest that their numbers and experiences could be significantly impacted. Here are some key points to consider:

Increased Uncertainty and Restrictions

• Trump's previous administration introduced policies that led to a decline in international student enrollment, including stricter vetting, travel bans, and restrictions on OPT (Optional Practical Training) and H-1B visas. These policies are likely to be revisited or intensified, creating uncertainty and anxiety among international students134.

Visa Policy Changes

• There could be limits on the duration of F-1 student visas, potentially restricting stays to 4 years or less for certain countries. Additionally, OPT and STEM OPT extensions might be restricted or eliminated, which are crucial for students to gain work experience in the U.S.13.

Higher Denial Rates

• H-1B visa denial rates increased significantly during Trump's first term, and this trend may continue. Higher denial rates and increased requests for evidence (RFEs) can cause delays and uncertainty for both students and employers14.

Travel Bans and Vetting

• Trump has indicated plans to revive and expand travel bans and implement more stringent ideological screening for non-U.S. citizens. This could affect students from certain countries, particularly those already targeted by previous travel restrictions24.

Financial and Diversity Impacts on Universities

• A decline in international student enrollment would have significant financial implications for U.S. universities, many of which rely heavily on international students' tuition. This decline could also reduce the diversity and global reputation of U.S. campuses134.

Global Competition

• Other countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia are offering more competitive and welcoming environments for international students, including easier paths to permanent residency and more flexible post-graduation work options. This could lead to a diversion of international students away from the U.S.14.

While these factors do not mean that international students will completely stop coming to U.S. universities, they do suggest that the number of international students may decrease due to the increased barriers, uncertainties, and less welcoming environment. Many universities are already advising international students to return to campus before Trump's inauguration to mitigate potential risks2.