Risks and Impacts of Pushing Away International Students in NY and US

Key Takeaways

• Student Visa Appointments suspended globally since May 27, 2025, causing indefinite delays for F, M, and J visa applicants.
• ICE’s expanded SEVIS termination powers increase risk of losing legal status without court review or individual assessment.
• International student enrollment dropped 11% from March 2024 to March 2025, severely impacting universities and New York economy.

The United States 🇺🇸 has long been a top destination for international students, with New York standing out as a major hub for global education. However, recent policy shifts and administrative actions have introduced new challenges, risks, and uncertainties for these students and the institutions that rely on their presence. This analysis examines the scope and impact of these changes, focusing on the suspension of Student Visa Appointments, expanded enforcement measures, and the broader implications for students, universities, and the economy. The discussion draws on the latest data, official statements, and expert perspectives as of July 2025.

Purpose and Scope

This analysis aims to provide a clear, evidence-based overview of the recent U.S. policy changes affecting international students, with a special focus on New York. It covers the reasons behind these changes, the methods used to implement them, and their immediate and projected impacts. The goal is to help students, educators, policymakers, and the public understand what is happening, why it matters, and what steps can be taken in response.

Methodology

The findings presented here are based on:
– Official government announcements and policy documents
– Enrollment data from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
– Statements from key officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio
– Reports from advocacy groups such as NAFSA
– Legal filings and court decisions
– Interviews with immigration attorneys, university administrators, and affected students

Data is presented in both narrative and tabular form, with comparisons to previous years and analysis of trends. Where possible, direct links to official resources are provided for further reference.

Key Findings

• Global Suspension of Student Visa Appointments: As of May 27, 2025, new appointments for F, M, and J visas have been suspended worldwide. This action, ordered by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has created indefinite delays for new applicants, with no clear timeline for resumption.
• Expanded SEVIS Termination Authority: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) now has broader power to terminate the legal status of international students in SEVIS, often without individual review or court oversight.
• Enrollment Decline: The number of international students in the U.S. dropped by over 130,000 (about 11%) from March 2024 to March 2025, with further declines expected as the full impact of new policies is felt.
• Legal and Economic Uncertainty: Universities, especially in New York, face financial strain and operational challenges. Students experience anxiety, risk of deportation, and disruption to their studies.
• Ongoing Legal Battles: Some of the most restrictive measures have been temporarily blocked by courts, but the overall trend is toward greater restriction and uncertainty.

Data Presentation

Enrollment Trends and Policy Impacts

Enrollment Decline:
– March 2024: 1,153,169 international students
– March 2025: 1,022,545 international students
– Change: -130,624 students (about 11% drop)

Projected Trends:
The Institute for International Education (IIE) had predicted a 3% increase in international student enrollment for 2024/25. Instead, the data shows a sharp decline, signaling a major shift in international student flows to the United States 🇺🇸.

Visual Description

A line graph would show a steady increase in international student enrollment over the past decade, followed by a sharp drop between 2024 and 2025. The decline is expected to continue as new visa restrictions and SEVIS terminations take full effect.

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

Historical Context

• Past Growth: For decades, the United States 🇺🇸 saw steady growth in international student numbers, with New York as a leading destination.
• Recent Declines: Under the Biden administration, enrollment began to fall, but the pace has accelerated sharply under the current administration.
• Policy Shift: The current approach marks a move from cyclical ups and downs to a more permanent restructuring of international student flows.

Policy Changes and Their Effects

1. Global Suspension of Student Visa Appointments

• Who is affected? New applicants for F (academic), M (vocational), and J (exchange visitor) visas.
• How does it work? As of May 27, 2025, new appointments cannot be scheduled at any U.S. embassy or consulate. Existing appointments continue, but new applicants face indefinite delays.
• Why was it done? Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited national security concerns, including expanded social media screening for applicants, especially from “high-risk” countries.
• What are the effects?
  • Students planning to start in Fall 2025 may not arrive on time, or at all.
  • Countries with fewer consular resources or longer wait times are hit hardest.
  • Universities may need to reconsider offers or help students defer admission.

2. Expanded SEVIS Termination Authority

• Who is affected? All international students in the U.S. on F, M, or J visas.
• How does it work? ICE can now terminate SEVIS records for a wider range of reasons, including visa revocation by the State Department, even without evidence of a violation. These decisions are not subject to court review.
• What are the effects?
  • Students lose legal status, cannot work or attend classes, and may face deportation.
  • Some students have gone into hiding or left the country.
  • Colleges report confusion and chaos as they try to support affected students.

3. Proclamations and Executive Orders

• Harvard Restriction: President Trump issued a proclamation restricting visas for students intending to study at Harvard. This was temporarily blocked by a federal judge.
• Country Ban: Another proclamation barred entry for nonimmigrants, including international students, from 19 countries. This applies only to new applicants, not those with current valid visas.

Patterns and Stakeholder Perspectives

• Students: Face anxiety, uncertainty, and risk of sudden status loss. Many are considering abandoning their studies or transferring to other countries.
• Universities: Suffer financial losses, especially as international students often pay higher tuition. Research and innovation may decline due to fewer international scholars.
• Local Economies: Cities like New York, with large international student populations, risk losing billions in tuition, housing, and consumer spending.
• Legal Community: Immigration attorneys warn that the new policies make it easier for ICE to bypass court protections and remove students for minor or unproven reasons.
• Advocacy Groups: Organizations like NAFSA argue that these policies harm America’s global competitiveness and urge the government to restore more welcoming policies.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

The current policy environment represents a major shift in how the United States 🇺🇸 treats international students. The combination of suspended Student Visa Appointments, expanded enforcement powers, and new entry restrictions has already led to a sharp drop in enrollment. The effects are being felt most strongly in states like New York, where international students are a vital part of the academic and economic landscape.

Key conclusions:
– Not a Temporary Dip: The decline in international student numbers is not a short-term fluctuation but a sign of deeper structural change.
– Financial and Academic Risks: Universities face budget shortfalls and may lose their edge in research and innovation.
– Student Wellbeing at Risk: Students face real risks of losing their legal status, being unable to complete their studies, or facing deportation.
– Legal Uncertainty: Ongoing court battles create further confusion, with some restrictive measures blocked but others still in effect.

Limitations

• Data Lag: The most recent enrollment data (March 2025) does not yet reflect the full impact of the latest policy changes. Actual numbers may be even lower in the coming months.
• Legal Outcomes Uncertain: Some policies have been temporarily blocked by courts, but the administration continues to pursue new restrictions.
• Regional Variation: The impact may vary by state and institution, with some areas more affected than others.
• Changing Policies: The situation is fluid, with new announcements and legal decisions occurring regularly.

Step-by-Step Procedures for Affected Students

If you are an international student:
1. Check your visa status: If you do not have a scheduled appointment, you cannot currently apply for a new F, M, or J visa.
2. Stay in contact with your Designated School Official (DSO): DSOs can provide updates and help with options like deferral or online study.
3. Monitor SEVIS status: If your SEVIS record is terminated, you may lose your legal right to stay, work, or study in the U.S.
4. Seek legal advice: If you receive notice of SEVIS termination or visa revocation, consult an immigration attorney immediately.
5. Follow official updates: Use trusted sources like the U.S. Department of State for the latest information on Student Visa Appointments and requirements.

Practical Guidance for Universities

• Communicate clearly: Keep international students informed about policy changes and their options.
• Review admissions offers: Consider deferring offers or providing online alternatives for students unable to secure visas.
• Support affected students: Offer legal resources and counseling for students facing status loss or deportation.
• Advocate for change: Work with groups like NAFSA to push for more welcoming policies and restore funding for international education.

Official Resources

• Student Visa Information: U.S. Department of State – Student Visas
• SEVIS and ICE: ICE Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
• Advocacy and Support: NAFSA: Association of International Educators
• Legal Help: Contact a qualified immigration attorney for advice on SEVIS terminations or visa issues.

Multiple Perspectives

Immigration Attorneys:
Charles Kuck warns that even minor legal trouble can now result in immediate status loss, as ICE uses new powers to bypass court protections. Elora Mukherjee describes the situation as “whiplash,” with students losing sleep over the fear that their status could be terminated at any time.

University Leaders:
Administrators report confusion and chaos as they try to support students facing sudden loss of status. Many are calling for clearer guidance and more stable policies.

Economic Analysts:
Experts note that the decline in international students is not just a short-term problem but a sign of deeper changes that could harm America’s position in the global knowledge economy.

Advocacy Groups:
NAFSA and similar organizations are urging the government to reverse course, warning that the current approach threatens the future of international education in the United States 🇺🇸.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The United States 🇺🇸, and New York in particular, face serious risks from the current approach to international students. The suspension of Student Visa Appointments, expanded enforcement, and new entry restrictions have already led to a sharp drop in enrollment, with more declines likely. These changes threaten university finances, research, and America’s global standing, while putting students at risk of losing their legal status and educational opportunities.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation remains fluid, with ongoing legal battles and policy changes. Students and universities should stay informed, seek legal and institutional support, and use official resources for the latest updates. For those affected, staying in close contact with DSOs and monitoring official government sites is essential.

The future of international education in the United States 🇺🇸 depends on clear, fair, and welcoming policies. Until then, uncertainty and risk will continue to shape the experiences of international students and the institutions that depend on them.

Learn Today

Student Visa Appointments → Scheduled embassy interviews for obtaining F, M, or J student visas required to study in the United States.
SEVIS → Student and Exchange Visitor Information System; a government database tracking nonimmigrant students and their visa statuses.
ICE → Immigration and Customs Enforcement; U.S. agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and terminating visa statuses.
F, M, J visas → Types of nonimmigrant visas: F for academic students, M for vocational students, J for exchange visitors.
Marco Rubio → U.S. Secretary of State who ordered suspension of student visa appointments citing national security concerns.

This Article in a Nutshell

The U.S. has suspended new student visa appointments worldwide as of May 2025, expanding ICE’s power to terminate SEVIS records. Enrollment dropped 11%, threatening university finances and international education leadership. Students face legal risks and uncertainty, with New York hardest hit by policy shifts and restrictions under Secretary Rubio.
— By VisaVerge.com