A vast majority of international students studying in the United States are living with deep fear and uncertainty about their immigration status, according to a new report released by Stop AAPI Hate, which highlights rising anxiety, surveillance concerns, and gaps in institutional support across American universities.
The study found that 90 percent of international students surveyed reported fear or uncertainty regarding their visa status, including concerns about detention, deportation, or disruption to their academic progress. The findings underscore the growing emotional and psychological toll of immigration instability on students who form a critical part of the US higher education ecosystem.
According to the report, 72 percent of international students in the US come from Asia, with India and China accounting for the largest share. Survey responses were collected from students across 36 universities, offering a snapshot of conditions on campuses nationwide.
Widespread Fear and Erosion of Safety
The report paints a stark picture of insecurity. Only 4 percent of respondents said they feel “very” or “extremely” safe in the United States. Many students described living in constant fear of immigration enforcement actions and surveillance.
One respondent said they feared “being kidnapped by ICE without due process, being disappeared into the detention system, being denied healthcare if detained.” Another student said, “I hate it when I have to delete my social media when I simply post things I believe in. I thought I had a voice by being in the U.S.”
Others expressed disillusionment with studying in the country. “We don’t belong here […] America is no longer the land for dreams,” one student said, while another bluntly warned prospective applicants: “Run, don’t come!”
Behavioral and Mental Health Impact
The fear has significantly altered students’ daily lives and behavior. The report found that:
- 86 percent of students have modified or restricted their social media use
- 88 percent reported a weakened sense of belonging
- 81 percent experienced negative physical or mental health effects
Mental health professionals say such findings reflect a broader climate of stress. “Living under constant uncertainty—especially related to immigration—can have profound psychological consequences, including anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal,” said a university counselor familiar with international student services.
Gaps in University Support Systems
While many universities provide some level of support, the study found inconsistent and insufficient institutional responses. Among respondents:
- 78 percent said their universities offer mental health services
- 77 percent reported access to visa-related guidance
- 67 percent said institutions provide general communication on immigration issues
However, only 38 percent said they had access to legal aid, a critical resource for students navigating visa challenges. Fewer than half reported receiving guidance on meeting academic requirements under immigration constraints.
Alarmingly, between 14 and 37 percent of students said they were unaware whether key services even existed, pointing to serious communication gaps between universities and their international student communities.
Federal Policies and Climate of Scrutiny
Stop AAPI Hate attributes the pervasive fear to a broader national climate shaped by recent federal actions, including visa revocations tied to dissent, abrupt immigration policy changes, and heightened scrutiny of immigrants of color.
“The study’s findings paint a vivid picture of international students living in constant fear, with uncertainty permeating almost every aspect of their lives,” said Manjusha Kulkarni, co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate and executive director of the AAPI Equity Alliance.
Kulkarni said the current environment aligns with “a broader anti-immigrant agenda,” referencing recent moves such as the halt of immigration applications for people from 19 non-European countries.
Call for Stronger Institutional Action
Stephanie Chan, director of data and research at Stop AAPI Hate, said the findings reveal systemic shortcomings in how colleges and universities support international students.
“Our survey unambiguously shows that many universities and colleges are not doing enough to protect and support their international students,” Chan said. She noted that students’ fear of retaliation, combined with limited data collection, has widened the information gap around their needs.
Chan said the report is intended to push higher education institutions to expand legal assistance, mental health services, and tailored academic support, while also improving transparency and communication.
A Warning for US Higher Education
International students contribute billions of dollars annually to the US economy and play a crucial role in research, innovation, and cultural exchange. Advocates warn that continued instability and fear could damage the country’s global reputation as a destination for higher education.
“If these conditions persist, the US risks losing not only talent, but trust,” said an immigration policy expert. “Students talk to one another, and perceptions travel fast.”
As universities and policymakers digest the report’s findings, the message from students is clear: without stronger protections and meaningful support, the promise of studying in the United States is increasingly overshadowed by fear.
