Ryan Hass | Director at John L. Thornton China Center | The Brookings Institution website
For several decades, the United States has been a prime destination for international students seeking exceptional academic opportunities and a pathway to global careers. High-profile individuals like Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Zoom founder Eric Yuan exemplify this trend, having come from India and China, respectively, to study in the U.S. However, the landscape for international students is rapidly changing due to geopolitical tensions.
The recent immigration policies of the Trump administration have led to over 4,700 students losing their F-1 or J-1 visas since March. Although some visas were temporarily reinstated on April 25, the details remain unclear. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has alleged that some international students come to the U.S. to "participate in movements that vandalize universities, harass students, take over buildings, and cause chaos." The reasons for many students' loss of legal status, however, remain obscure. A case in point is a Chinese student at Syracuse University who had his visa revoked despite not owning a car, raising questions about the justice of such actions.
Chinese students are particularly affected, given that China is a major source of international students for the U.S. The number of Chinese students has decreased from approximately 372,000 in 2019 to 278,000 currently, a decline influenced by pandemic repercussions and ongoing U.S.-China tensions.
Chinese government agencies have begun to issue warnings and advisories about the risks associated with studying in the U.S., citing deteriorating Sino-U.S. relations and new state-level legislation aimed at restricting academic partnerships with Chinese institutions. These advisories suggest that the U.S. may be losing its appeal as a safe and viable study destination for Chinese students.
The impact of declining enrollment extends to the U.S. economy. According to the Institute of International Education, international students contributed about $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy in the 2023-2024 academic year, with Chinese students accounting for roughly $14.3 billion of that expenditure. Universities in key states like California and New York are feeling the financial pinch, aggravated by reductions in federal research funding.
The decline in international student enrollment, especially in fields like engineering and computer science, is exacerbating what experts call the "STEM talent crisis." Chinese students, who form a considerable portion of doctoral graduates in these areas, have been instrumental as researchers and innovators within the U.S.
While national security is a legitimate concern, measures should be precise and evidence-based to avoid unjustly stigmatizing international students. The disbanded China Initiative failed in this regard, as most of those investigated were cleared. Yet, today's policies seem to foster fear among international students about their ability to return to the U.S. after traveling home.
This uncertainty threatens U.S. soft power, which has historically been bolstered by the country's educational allure. As the U.S. becomes perceived as more hostile and less welcoming, other countries, including Canada, the U.K., Australia, Japan, and even China, stand ready to attract these students.
The future of international education in the U.S. hinges on the nation's ability to balance security with openness. The decision rests with policymakers on whether to maintain the U.S. as a magnet for global talent or let it diminish due to suspicion and nationalism.
