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Concerns Rise Over U.S. Policies Affecting Foreign Students

Amidst high-profile arrests and deportations, Republican senators appear untroubled by the potential fallout regarding foreign students, who substantially bolster the U.S. economy.

In the past year, international students contributed approximately $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy, marking a significant recovery from the downturn caused by the pandemic. The states with the largest populations of foreign students include California, New York, and Texas.

Some Republican lawmakers assert that actions taken by Secretary of State Marco Rubio— including the cancellation of student visas, notable arrests, and aggressive deportation efforts—are justified in the name of national security. However, many details surrounding these actions remain obscured due to sealed court proceedings.

Rubio has claimed to have revoked over 300 visas, though the exact number pertaining specifically to foreign students remains unclear.

“They can be” a vital asset to the U.S. economy, remarked Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) regarding foreign students. Nonetheless, he endorsed the previous administration’s initiatives aimed at targeting individuals believed to support or sympathize with terrorism, despite legal advocates arguing that these participants are simply exercising their rights to free speech.

Cruz further expressed his desire for a deterrent effect on individuals with anti-Semitic or violent tendencies, reinforcing his stance that these individuals should refrain from entering the U.S. or should leave if they are already present.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), previously a college football coach, acknowledged the economic advantages foreign students bring but misleadingly suggested they are displacing qualified American applicants in university admissions.

This phenomenon, referred to as the “enrollment cliff,” reflects broader trends in college application rates as the pool of young Americans diminishes. Since the recession, college enrollment has steadily declined, coinciding with a significant drop in U.S. birth rates—23 percent from 2007 to 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In contrast, enrollment by international students has surged post-pandemic, reaching a record of 1.1 million for the academic year 2023-2024. Their economic impact is substantial, with spending totaling $43.8 billion, as reported by the Association for International Educators and JB International.

Foreign students also contribute significantly to the workforce; many choose to remain in the U.S. after graduation. A study from the National Foundation for American Policy found that one out of every four billion-dollar startups in the country was founded by individuals who were once international students.

However, advocates express alarm that the current political climate and visible arrests jeopardize the safety of foreign students and could deter future applicants from selecting the U.S. as their academic destination.

Academic organizations have filed lawsuits indicating that the administration is fostering an environment that intimidates students and faculty from exercising their First Amendment rights. They argue that this environment effectively stifles dissenting political viewpoints.

Among the notable arrests is Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder and pro-Palestinian activist from Columbia University, detained while his legal proceedings are ongoing. His case is one of about ten others currently in litigation regarding deportations of individuals ranging from international students to foreign faculty members.

The federal government has invoked an unusual statute permitting the Secretary of State to alter a noncitizen’s immigration status if their actions are deemed to threaten U.S. foreign policy. The State Department has emphasized its ongoing collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security to uphold U.S. immigration laws while maintaining security protocols throughout the visa issuance process.

Arrests have not only affected prestigious institutions in liberal states but have also extended to states like Alabama. In March, Iranian doctoral student Alireza Doroudi was detained by ICE, prompting his attorney, David Rozas, to voice his confusion over the circumstances of Doroudi’s arrest, insisting there was no evidence of wrongdoing.

Another case involved a Turkish student from Tufts University, Rumeysa Ozturk, who was arrested while expressing her political views through writings in her university’s publication, raising questions about the connection between her activism and her apprehension.

Diverse accounts have surfaced, revealing that many apprehended students had actively participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations or expressed political support on their campuses. The federal government has allowed some students to “self-deport” amid increasing pressure to leave the country voluntarily.

Additionally, Republican lawmakers are intensifying scrutiny on Chinese students, referencing concerns that the Chinese government may be using these individuals for espionage activities in U.S. educational settings. Intelligence experts have highlighted cases of espionage involving Chinese professors, with ongoing discussions about the potential risks posed by foreign students in sensitive STEM fields.

In a letter to several universities, House Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) urged investigations into the enrollment policies of Chinese students in advanced programs and their access to federal research funding. He expressed concern over the Chinese Communist Party’s apparent strategy to infiltrate U.S. research institutions for military technology access.

Amid these concerns, Senator Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) has proposed a bill to prohibit Chinese nationals from studying in the United States, with a similar bill introduced in the House by Representative Riley Moore (R-W.Va.).

Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) echoed concerns about the implications of foreign students studying sensitive subjects, although he noted the potential benefits of international student engagement as a means of fostering goodwill toward the U.S.

The Trump administration’s approach has diminished various soft power capabilities, undermining programs designed to promote educational exchange and international collaboration. Critics of the administration’s policies have voiced skepticism about the U.S. legal system’s ability to protect foreign students amid the ongoing crackdown.

Reflecting on the current climate, foreign students have expressed feelings of insecurity and anxiety. One student noted, “I have lost faith that a favorable ruling from the courts would guarantee my personal safety and ability to express my beliefs,” underscoring broader apprehension about the safety and rights of international students in the U.S.

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thehill.com