Following Donald Trump's declaration as the winner of the 2024 presidential election on November 6, 2024, leaders in international education are bracing for potential policy shifts that could significantly impact the landscape for international students in the United States. Miriam Feldblum, co-founder of the Presidentsā Alliance, has emphasized the importance of preparation rather than panic in response to these anticipated changes. She has warned that immigration bans could affect international students, which raises concerns about their ability to study and work in the U.S. [a3cbd6e8].
In the 2022-23 academic year, over 1.05 million international students were recruited, contributing approximately $50 billion to the U.S. economy. Notably, 41% of these students choose to remain in the U.S. long-term, underscoring their importance to the American higher education system [94b9c4f6]. As Trump prepares for a potential second term, there are concerns regarding changes to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program and tighter restrictions on student visas. These anticipated changes could impact the ability of international students to gain work experience in the U.S. after graduation, which is a significant factor for many when choosing to study in America [94b9c4f6].
Carl Herrin from Worcester State University expressed optimism about building relationships with the new administration, while Sarah Spreitzer of the American Council on Education views Senator Marco Rubio as a supportive choice for Secretary of State, which could bode well for international education policies [a3cbd6e8]. Furthermore, Trump has proposed granting green cards to U.S. college graduates, a move that could enhance the attractiveness of American institutions for international students seeking long-term residency options [94b9c4f6].
Anthony Koliha from the State Department has stressed the long-term benefits of fostering international student relationships, which are crucial as institutions adapt to the evolving political landscape. The ongoing dialogue around U.S. policies regarding international students will be critical as institutions navigate the potential implications of a second Trump presidency [a3cbd6e8][89354a81][0b9ef88f].