Indians hard hit as US student visas decline by a fifth from last year

"The number of student visas issued by the United States has dropped by about one-fifth compared to the same one-month period last year, with India seeing a dramatic decline amid restrictive policies pursued by United States President Donald Trump. Data from the International Trade Commission found that the US issued about 313,138 student visas in August, when studies typically begin at US universities, a 19.1 percent drop compared to August 2024."

"For Indian students, the largest source of foreign students studying in the US, the drop was 44.5 percent during that period. Visa issuances also dropped for students from China, albeit at a lower rate. Several Muslim-majority countries also saw massive declines, with student visas for Iranians dropping by 86 percent. The figures do not represent overall numbers of foreign students attending US universities, many of whom remain on previously issued visas."

"The drop comes as the Trump administration has pursued a restrictive approach to immigration, while using funding to exert growing political pressure on US universities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked thousands of student visas, citing violations of US law, participation in protests, or in some cases, criticism of Israel. The targeting has been in parallel with pro-Israel groups that monitor and surveil university students involved in pro-Palestine activism."

Student visa issuances by the United States dropped about 19.1 percent in August compared to August 2024, with approximately 313,138 visas issued. India experienced a 44.5 percent decline in student visas, the largest single-country drop, while China saw a smaller reduction and Iran experienced an 86 percent fall. Many foreign students remain in the US on previously issued visas, so the figures do not equal total foreign student enrollment. The decline coincides with a more restrictive immigration approach, increased political pressure on universities, visa revocations by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and expanded social-media vetting for applicants.

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