While many U.S. colleges expect lower international enrollment this fall, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering a proposal that will only serve to aggravate the situation further. Should this proposal pass, it will be 18 months before these regulations take effect.
The Purpose of This Proposal
According to Inside Higher Ed’s quote of a DHS spokesman, “DHS is exploring a variety of measures that would ensure that our immigration programs — including programs for international students studying in the United States — operate in a manner that promotes the national interest, enhances national security and public safety, and ensures the integrity of our immigration system.” Or, in other words, it’s just another Trump’s idea of “Making America Great Again!.”
Potential Issues and Concerns
If this proposal is implemented, the number of foreign students visiting the United States may decline in the future. International students who are interested in studying in the U.S. will only be discouraged by such news. This new proposal will only increase their risk of not being able to complete their degree requirements (given the possibility of denial for the visa extension) any time after enrolling. Who would accept this deal?
Leading Small Schools to Close
International college students contribute more than 32.8 billion dollars to the U.S. economy each year. Trump’s new proposal for the student visa will hurt many small private colleges which have been struggling to survive.
For further details on the DHS’s latest proposal on changing visa regulations, please visit Inside Higher Ed’s page: “Proposal Would Require International Students to Reapply for Permission to Stay.”