August 26, 
Since President Donald Trump returned to office, the United States has witnessed a significant decline in the number of international students arriving for higher education. Over the past five months, tighter immigration policies — including visa revocations, suspension of interviews, and threats to end work programs like Optional Practical Training (OPT) — have contributed to this downturn.

According to recent U.S. immigration data, international student arrivals in July 2025 dropped by 28.5% compared to the same period in 2024. The number of overseas students fell from 106,993 in July 2024 to 76,519 in July 2025. Notably, this figure excludes students from Canada and Mexico.

Fall 2025 is projected to see new international student enrollment drop by nearly 50%, with a similarly steep decline among students from India, traditionally the largest source of foreign students in the U.S.

Top Countries with Decreased Arrivals:

• India: ↓ 46.4% (from 24,298 to 13,027)

• China: ↓ 25.6% (from 19,634 to 14,601)

• Philippines: ↓ 40.8%

• Vietnam: ↓ 36.0%

• South Korea: ↓ 19.7%

• Taiwan: ↓ 14.5%

The data, released by the U.S. Overseas Trade Administration (based on ADIS/I-94 records), also shows that international students are now more hesitant to leave the country during breaks. Many fear not being allowed to re-enter due to sudden visa policy changes. U.S. universities have reportedly advised students to remain in the country over the summer.

Several students have allegedly been forced to leave the U.S. over minor infractions, without the opportunity to defend themselves — sparking legal challenges and growing anxiety among the international student population.

The new director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Joseph Edlow, has publicly stated his desire to eliminate OPT, a program that allows international students to work temporarily in their field of study after graduation. He also proposes changes to the H-1B visa lottery that would make it harder for international graduates to stay in the U.S.

Most U.S. universities begin their academic year in late August. Institutions such as Georgetown University, George Washington University, American University, and the University of Maryland start classes between August 25 and 27, meaning new students typically arrive in July or early August. U.S. law permits new international students to enter only up to 30 days before their program begins.

While the year-to-date decline from January to July 2025 is 7.7%, analysts say this does not reflect the full scale of the drop in new enrollments, which will be more apparent in data from July and August. This decline could have long-term implications for U.S. higher education, innovation, and workforce development — areas where international students have traditionally played a vital role.