It is good news for those who wish to study in the US that the Trump administration has backed off changing student visa rules. However, as discussed in this opinion piece from the Washington Post, this may not stop the expected massive fall in overseas students wishing to study in the US. This is thanks to other anti-immigrant policies and will seed problems in the U.S. economy for years to come.
Enrollment of new international students at U.S. universities in the fall semester of the 2020-2021 academic year is projected to decline 63 to 98 percent from 2018-2019 levels, according to a National Foundation for American Policy analysis. That wide range of estimates reflects uncertainty about how other immigration measures will be implemented over the summer.
First, U.S. embassies and consulates around the world suspended routine services amid pandemic closures; that includes processing of student visas. The State Department says visa services are being phased back in, but it hasn’t given dates for when it will reopen which consulates. Additionally, many countries are still subject to U.S. travel bans related to the pandemic. Even if consulates reopen, it’s unclear whether students from these places can get U.S. visas.
Students should check with their institution they are enrolled to see how these factors affect them. Students may also come in for a free consultation with our US admissions consultant if they have any other questions that ITS can help with.
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