The White House is so eager to highlight positive developments that it is now touting a drop in new international student enrollment as a policy success. The problem? A closer look at the numbers shows the situation is far more complex — and far less rosy — than the administration suggests.
According to a new survey released by the Institute of International Education (IIE), the number of new international students enrolling at U.S. colleges fell by 17% compared to last year. The Trump administration celebrated this decline in its Wednesday “good news” roundup, framing it as “reclaiming spots for American students.”
But the data doesn’t support that spin.
IIE found that:
- 29% of institutions actually saw an increase in new international enrollment
- 14% reported flat enrollment
- 57% reported declines
Crucially, the total number of international students fell by only 1%, and the number of international undergraduates actually rose by 2%. So the narrative of Americans reclaiming campus seats simply doesn’t hold up.
What’s Really Behind the Decline
The sharp reduction relates largely to a steep drop in participation in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program — a system allowing foreign graduates to work in the U.S. for up to three years. The State Department is preparing to dismantle OPT, creating uncertainty and discouraging students from staying after graduation.
In reality, international students still want to study in the United States — but more of them are taking their skills home afterward rather than contributing to the American economy.
Why This Decline Is Bad News, Not Good News
Contrary to the White House’s celebratory tone, losing international students hurts American higher education and the economy:
- They pay higher tuition, which subsidizes lower costs for U.S. students
- They contribute billions to local economies
- They bring academic and cultural benefits to campuses
- Many become long-term innovators, founders, researchers, and skilled workers
Policy Crackdowns Are Driving Students Away
The drop comes after the Trump administration:
- Revoked more than 6,000 student visas in August
- Arrested international students and faculty over political affiliations or speech
- Made it clear through public statements that foreign students are less welcome
The IIE survey found:
- 96% of institutions said visa concerns contributed to the decline
- 68% cited travel restrictions
These fears were intensified by another major policy change:
The administration is seeking to raise the cost of an H-1B visa by more than 10,000%, making it financially impossible for many international graduates to remain in the U.S. workforce.
