US Immigration Data Show 50% Drop in Indian Students

US Immigration Data: The United States is facing a sharp decline in international student arrivals, with new immigration data showing nearly a 50% drop in Indian students entering the country in July and August 2025 compared to the same period last year. Educators warn that the trend could reshape the academic and economic landscape of U.S. higher education for years to come.

According to the U.S. International Trade Administration’s ADIS/I-94 records, student arrivals from India fell by 44.5% in August (from 74,825 in 2024 to 41,540 in 2025). July’s figures were even steeper, with a 46.4% decline (from 24,298 to 13,027). Since India is the largest source of international students for American universities, the downturn raises red flags for the upcoming 2025–26 academic year.

The trend extends beyond India. Overall, international student arrivals—excluding Canada and Mexico—dropped 19.2% between August 2024 and August 2025, falling from 380,579 to 307,419. In July alone, arrivals decreased by 28.5% year-over-year. China, South Korea, and Vietnam also registered significant declines of 12.4%, 10.9%, and 17.2% respectively.

US Immigration Data: Universities Brace for Enrollment Shortfalls

The timing of these figures matters. July and August are traditionally peak months for international student arrivals, since most universities require new enrollees to arrive up to 30 days before the semester begins. Fewer arrivals at this stage mean campuses are likely to experience noticeable drops in both classroom diversity and tuition revenue.

Campuses are already reporting sharp declines. Saint Louis University saw 45% fewer international students this fall, while the University of Cincinnati reported a 25% decrease in international graduate students. The University at Buffalo lost more than 1,000 international graduate students—most in science, technology, engineering, and math programs—though it offset some losses with record undergraduate enrollment.

International students are not only vital for academic diversity but also for university finances. Their higher tuition fees help subsidize costs for U.S. students, allowing universities to expand course offerings and research programs.

Policy Shifts Fuel the Downturn

Educators point to restrictive immigration policies under the Trump administration as a driving force behind the decline in international student arrivals. The State Department’s suspension of student visa interviews in May and June—intended to increase scrutiny of applicants’ social media activity—left many students stranded and uncertain.

Other measures have also raised alarm:

• A travel ban on nationals from 19 countries blocked thousands of students from entering.

• Roughly 6,000 international students were ordered to leave earlier this year following questionable enforcement actions.

• New Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rules propose replacing “duration of status” with fixed admission periods, creating uncertainty for students needing extensions.

• Proposed H-1B visa reforms would prioritize senior-level applicants, limiting opportunities for early-career graduates.

• A presidential proclamation on September 19 introduced a prohibitive $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa holders.

Optional Practical Training (OPT), a program that allows international students to work in the U.S. after graduation, is also under threat. A recent survey by NAFSA and the Institute for Progress found that over half of international graduate students would not have chosen to study in America without OPT or realistic H-1B pathways.

US Immigration Data: Long-Term Impact on U.S. Competitiveness

The consequences of fewer international students extend beyond campus borders. For decades, American universities have been magnets for global talent, particularly in STEM fields. These students often fuel innovation in research institutions and provide skilled labor for U.S. employers.

Jill Welch, executive director of the nonprofit U.S. for Success Coalition, warned that restrictive policies risk damaging the country’s competitiveness. “If we really want to ensure Americans can earn more, be more secure, and succeed more, we need leaders at all levels to actively promote policies that welcome, not deter, talented international students,” she said.

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