American colleges see a sharp drop in foreign students

US universities are feeling the impact of stricter immigration rules, as international enrollment has plunged 17% this fall, according to the Institute for International Education.

Students are returning to campuses, but many classrooms now have noticeably empty seats.

The Trump administration has tightened visa rules, revoking over 6,000 student visas and increasing scrutiny, even for minor offenses.

A surprise pause on visa interviews in May left thousands stuck overseas, unable to start classes on time.

The government is also pressuring universities to cut back on foreign admissions, offering more federal funding to schools that cap their international student intake. 

The shift is worrying for colleges, which rely heavily on international students who pay full tuition to support their budgets.

Experts warn that the crackdown could push talented students, especially from India and China, to choose countries like the UK or Australia instead, weakening the US pipeline of skilled workers in science and tech.