Foreign student enrollment at US universities has seen a sharp decline this spring, raising concerns over the future of higher education funding in America. A new report says enrollment of international undergraduate students dropped by an average of 20 percent compared to last year, while graduate admissions fell by 24 percent. Universities blame strict visa and immigration policies introduced under the administration of Donald Trump for the decline.
International students are considered a major source of revenue for US colleges, as many pay full tuition fees. Education groups say actions such as student visa delays, immigration crackdowns, and arrests of foreign students created fear among applicants worldwide. Last summer alone, US student visa issuances reportedly fell by 36 percent.
Experts now warn that the situation could worsen in the upcoming fall semester, potentially leading to major financial strain and budget cuts for several universities across the United States.
