Core Points - The number of international students arriving in the U.S. has significantly decreased due to restrictive visa policies implemented during the Trump administration, with a notable 19.1% drop in student visa issuances in August compared to the previous year [2][4] - Indian students, the largest group of foreign students in the U.S., experienced a 44.5% decline in visa issuances in August, primarily due to processing delays [2][5] - The overall number of student visas issued in August was 313,138, down from nearly 387,000 in August 2024 [4] Visa Policy Impact - The Trump administration's visa regulations have particularly affected Indian applicants, requiring them to apply for visas at U.S. consulates in their home country, which has led to significant backlogs [5][8] - Other countries, such as Iran, have also seen drastic declines in student visa issuances, with an 86% drop reported [6] Economic Consequences - The decline in international student enrollment poses a threat to U.S. universities' budgets and their international standing, as approximately 1.1 million international students contribute significantly to tuition revenue [9] - A recent survey by NAFSA predicts a 30% to 40% decrease in international student enrollment this fall, potentially resulting in an economic loss of $7 billion and affecting over 60,000 jobs [9][10] Long-term Implications - The loss of international students could lead to a talent gap in the U.S. higher education system, impacting research and academic diversity [11] - Concerns have been raised about the long-term effects of restrictive visa policies on the U.S.'s global competitiveness in higher education [11]

Group 1: Visa Policy Changes - The new visa fee of $250 will take effect on October 1, raising the total visa cost to approximately $450, an increase of over 135%, making it one of the highest in the world [2][4] - The additional "visa integrity fee" applies to various non-immigrant visa categories, including tourism, business, and study [2][4] - Recent tightening of visa policies includes a proposal to shorten visa durations for students and cultural exchange visitors, and a pilot program requiring up to $15,000 in security deposits for certain visa holders [4][5] Group 2: Impact on Tourism Industry - The tightening of visa policies is expected to reduce the number of international visitors to the U.S., which could significantly impact the tourism industry [5][9] - The U.S. tourism sector is projected to lose $12.5 billion due to the decrease in international visitors [9][10] - In July, the number of international visitors to the U.S. decreased by 3.1% year-on-year, marking the fifth consecutive month of decline [9] Group 3: Economic Implications - The reduction in international tourists is likely to negatively affect various economic sectors, including housing rentals, consumer spending, and investments [10][11] - Las Vegas saw an 8% decline in overall tourist numbers from January to July, with international visitors dropping by 13% [10] - The tourism industry's contribution to the U.S. GDP is around 2%-3%, which, while not high compared to other countries, still plays a crucial role in the overall economy [10][11] Group 4: Broader Effects on International Relations - The decline in tourism may hinder cultural and commercial exchanges between the U.S. and other countries, impacting diplomatic relations [11] - The tightening of immigration policies has led to staff shortages in hotels and restaurants, potentially degrading service quality [11]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing uncertainty and challenges faced by Chinese students planning to study in the United States, driven by changing U.S. immigration policies and rising costs of education, leading to a decline in the number of Chinese students studying in the U.S. and a shift in their preferences towards other countries [1][2][3]. Group 1: U.S. Immigration Policies and Their Impact - In May 2025, the Trump administration considered requiring international students to undergo social media scrutiny, leading to a suspension of visa interviews for students [1][4]. - The announcement of a ban on Harvard University recruiting international students and subsequent entry restrictions for foreign citizens studying there created significant anxiety among current and prospective students [4][5]. - A temporary restraining order from a federal judge halted the enforcement of the entry ban, but the uncertainty surrounding U.S. immigration policies continues to affect international students [5][6]. Group 2: Decline in Chinese Students and Rising Costs - The number of Chinese students studying in the U.S. has dropped to levels not seen in a decade, with a decrease of 95,000 students from the peak in the 2019/2020 academic year [7][10]. - The average annual expenditure for Chinese students in the U.S. has surged to $52,000, reflecting a $10,000 increase compared to previous years [7][10]. - The tightening of U.S. visa policies has resulted in a significant rise in the visa rejection rate for international students, reaching 36% in 2023, compared to 15% in 2015 [10][13]. Group 3: Changing Preferences Among Students - A survey indicated a growing concern among families regarding studying in the U.S., with the percentage of families reconsidering their plans rising from 18% to 51.9% within six months [20][21]. - Many families are now considering multiple options for studying abroad, with countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia becoming increasingly attractive alternatives due to perceived safety and cost advantages [21][23]. - Despite the challenges, the number of applications from Chinese students to U.S. universities showed a slight increase in early 2025, although the overall sentiment remains cautious due to ongoing policy uncertainties [18][19]. Group 4: Evaluation of Study Abroad Destinations - The Chinese Ministry of Education's report indicates a diversification in popular study destinations, with the U.S. dropping out of the top three most favored countries for study abroad, although it still hosts the largest number of Chinese students [23][24]. - The report ranked various countries based on quality, safety, and cost, placing the U.S. fourth overall, highlighting the competitive landscape for international education [24].