Key Takeaways
• Trump’s June 5, 2025 Proclamation restricts entry for nationals from 19 countries, severely affecting student visas.
• MSU and Drury University report sharp declines in international applications and enrollment amid visa delays and revocations.
• International students face fear, cancellations, and consider alternatives like Canada, UK, and Singapore for study.
The purpose of this analysis is to examine how Michigan State University (MSU), Drury University, and similar U.S. institutions are managing international student recruitment during the second administration of President Trump. The scope covers recent policy changes, their effects on students and universities, and the broader trends shaping international education in the United States 🇺🇸 as of June 2025. This report aims to provide a clear, evidence-based overview for university administrators, international students, and policymakers concerned about the future of global student mobility.
Methodology
This analysis draws on official government proclamations, university statements, advocacy group reports, and media coverage from January to June 2025. It reviews primary policy documents, such as the June 5, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, and incorporates direct feedback from university officials, students, and organizations like NAFSA. Data is presented in narrative and visual formats, with comparisons to previous years and other destination countries. The report also references authoritative sources, including the U.S. Department of State, to ensure accuracy.
Key Findings
- International student recruitment at MSU and Drury University has been severely disrupted by new Trump policies.
- Visa issuance delays, entry bans, and increased scrutiny have led to a sharp decline in applications and enrollments.
- Students and families report high levels of fear and uncertainty, with many considering alternative study destinations.
- Universities are adapting by providing more support but face limits due to external policy barriers.
- Financial and academic planning at U.S. institutions is increasingly unpredictable.
Recent Policy Changes: A Closer Look
Presidential Proclamation and Entry Bans
On June 5, 2025, President Trump signed a Presidential Proclamation restricting entry for foreign nationals from 19 countries. This includes:
- Full entry bans for nationals from 12 countries (such as Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia).
- Partial restrictions for 7 countries (including Cuba and Venezuela).
- Exceptions exist for lawful permanent residents, current visa holders, and some visa categories, but the overall effect is a much tighter entry process.
Visual Description:
Imagine a map of the world with 19 countries shaded in red, showing where students now face new or expanded barriers to entering the United States 🇺🇸. The largest impact is on students from the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Latin America.
Expanded SEVIS Termination Policy
The Trump administration has broadened the reasons for terminating international students’ SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) status. Now, students can lose their status for vague reasons like “failure to comply” with visa terms, or if the State Department revokes their visa. This policy gives authorities wide discretion and increases the risk of mass deportations or sudden visa cancellations, especially for students from countries under extra scrutiny, such as China.
Halted Visa Interviews and Enhanced Vetting
The U.S. State Department has temporarily stopped all new student visa interviews to implement stricter social media checks and more detailed background reviews. This pause has caused major delays for students hoping to start studies in the fall of 2025, especially those from China and Hong Kong.
Mass Visa Revocations
Since January 2025, over a thousand student visas have been revoked, sometimes without clear explanation. Some students have had their visas restored, but others face detention or deportation. This unpredictability has led to widespread anxiety among international students and their families.
Unfulfilled Campaign Promises
President Trump’s earlier campaign promise to grant green cards to all foreign students graduating from U.S. colleges has not been put into action. Instead, the administration’s focus has shifted to increased enforcement and restrictions, making the environment less welcoming for international students.
Impact on MSU, Drury University, and Other U.S. Institutions
Enrollment and Financial Stability
Both MSU and Drury University depend on international students to fill classrooms and support their budgets, especially as domestic enrollment declines. The new policies have:
- Reduced international applications and enrollments.
- Created uncertainty in planning for future academic years.
- Threatened the financial health of programs that rely on international tuition.
Visual Description:
Picture a line graph showing international student enrollment at MSU and Drury University from 2020 to 2025. The line rises steadily until 2024, then drops sharply in 2025, reflecting the impact of new restrictions.
Recruitment and Support Efforts
Drury University has tried to counter these challenges by:
- Offering rolling admissions for international students.
- Providing step-by-step support through its Office of International Admission, including help with visa interviews and quick I-20 form issuance (within 48 hours of deposit).
- Giving detailed guidance on document submission, housing, and travel.
Despite these efforts, many students still struggle to secure visas or feel confident about studying in the United States 🇺🇸.
MSU, as a large public research university, faces similar hurdles. The heightened visa scrutiny and fear among students have led to fewer applications and more uncertainty in enrollment planning.
Practical Effects on Students and Institutions
Student Experiences
International students report:
- Fear and anxiety about traveling to or staying in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Cancellations of travel plans and reconsideration of U.S. study options.
- Exploring alternative destinations such as the UK, Canada 🇨🇦, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
One student from China shared, “I followed all the rules, but my visa was suddenly canceled. Now I don’t know if I can finish my degree or if I’ll be sent home.”
Institutional Challenges
Universities face:
- Financial uncertainty due to possible drops in international enrollment.
- Difficulty in planning for classes, housing, and support services.
- Increased workload for staff helping students navigate new rules and risks.
Even with strong support systems, universities like Drury and MSU can only do so much when federal policies change quickly and unpredictably.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Government
President Trump has defended these policies as necessary for national security, saying they protect the United States 🇺🇸 from foreign threats.
University Leaders
Marjorie Hass, president of the Council of Independent Colleges, described the situation as having a “real chilling effect” on international student applications.
Students and Families
Many international students and their families feel targeted and unwelcome. Some have lost their visas or faced deportation threats even when they followed all the rules.
Advocacy Groups
Organizations like NAFSA and the New York City Bar Association have tracked these changes, calling them aggressive and warning of possible legal challenges.
Data Presentation: Trends and Patterns
Enrollment Trends
- Sharp drop in international student applications at MSU and Drury University for the 2025-2026 academic year.
- Increased interest in alternative destinations (UK, Canada 🇨🇦, Singapore, Hong Kong).
- Financial strain on U.S. universities as international tuition revenue falls.
Policy Patterns
- Broader use of executive orders and proclamations to restrict entry and visa issuance.
- Increased use of administrative discretion in visa revocations and SEVIS terminations.
- Focus on national security as the main justification for new restrictions.
Comparisons
- United States 🇺🇸 vs. Other Destinations:
While the United States 🇺🇸 tightens entry, countries like Canada 🇨🇦 and the UK are actively welcoming international students, offering clearer pathways to study and work. - 2025 vs. Previous Years:
The current environment is much more restrictive and unpredictable than during the previous administration or even the first Trump term.
Evidence-Based Conclusions
-
International student recruitment at U.S. universities is facing its most difficult period in decades.
The combination of entry bans, visa delays, and policy uncertainty has made the United States 🇺🇸 a less attractive destination for students worldwide. -
MSU and Drury University are working hard to support international students, but external policy barriers limit their effectiveness.
Even the best recruitment and support programs cannot overcome federal restrictions and unpredictable visa processes. -
The financial and academic future of many U.S. institutions is at risk if current trends continue.
International students are vital for classroom diversity, research, and university budgets. -
Students and families are increasingly looking to other countries for education opportunities.
The “chilling effect” is real, with many choosing Canada 🇨🇦, the UK, or Asia over the United States 🇺🇸. -
Legal and advocacy efforts may slow or change some policies, but uncertainty is likely to persist through at least the 2025-2026 academic year.
Limitations
-
Rapid Policy Changes:
The situation is evolving quickly, and new executive orders or court decisions could change the landscape at any time. -
Data Gaps:
Some enrollment and visa data for 2025 are still being collected, so exact numbers may change. -
Institutional Differences:
While this analysis focuses on MSU and Drury University, other institutions may face different challenges based on size, location, and student populations.
Practical Guidance and Resources
-
For Prospective Students:
- Check the latest entry and visa policies for your country on the U.S. Department of State website.
- Contact your university’s international admissions office for up-to-date support and guidance.
- Consider backup study destinations in case of visa delays or denials.
- For Universities:
- Continue to provide clear, step-by-step support for international applicants.
- Diversify recruitment efforts to include new countries and regions.
- Work with advocacy groups to push for policy changes that support international education.
- For Policymakers:
- Balance national security concerns with the benefits of international education.
- Provide clear, consistent guidance to universities and students.
- Monitor the impact of policies on U.S. competitiveness in global education.
Official Resources and Contact Information
- Drury University Office of International Admission:
Email: [email protected]
Application portal: Drury University International Admission -
MSU International Admissions:
Visit the official MSU website for the latest updates and contact details. -
Advocacy and Policy Updates:
NAFSA (Association of International Educators): NAFSA Policy Resources -
U.S. Government Policy Information:
U.S. Department of State – Student Visas
Final Thoughts
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the current climate for international student recruitment in the United States 🇺🇸 is marked by uncertainty and rapid change. MSU, Drury University, and their peers are doing their best to adapt, but the broader policy environment remains challenging. Students, families, and institutions must stay informed and flexible as they plan for the future. The coming months will be critical in shaping the direction of international education in the United States 🇺🇸.
For the most current information, always refer to official government resources and your university’s international admissions office.
Learn Today
Presidential Proclamation → An official government order restricting entry from specified countries to enhance national security.
SEVIS → Student and Exchange Visitor Information System used to track international students’ visa status in the U.S.
Visa Revocation → Cancellation of a previously granted visa, preventing entry or stay in the United States.
Rolling Admissions → University application process allowing students to apply and receive decisions continuously rather than fixed deadlines.
NAFSA → National Association of Foreign Student Advisers, an organization supporting international education and advocacy.
This Article in a Nutshell
The 2025 Trump administration policies have drastically disrupted international student recruitment at MSU and Drury University. Entry bans, visa revocations, and delays cause global students to reconsider U.S. education, threatening university finances and diversity. Institutions offer support but face restrictive federal barriers amidst growing uncertainty in international higher education.
— By VisaVerge.com
