Key Takeaways
• UAlbany and nearby colleges face sharp international student enrollment declines starting April 2025 due to SEVIS disruptions.
• New ICE policy grants broad powers to terminate student visas with limited appeal options, increasing deportation risks.
• About 1,267 international students at UAlbany impacted; similar trends affect Union College and RPI nationwide.
As of May 2025, the University at Albany (UAlbany), along with other major colleges in New York’s Capital Region, is facing a sharp and sudden decline in international student enrollment. This downturn is not isolated—it’s part of a broader national trend fueled by recent federal policy changes, disruptions in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and growing uncertainty about the future of student visas in the United States 🇺🇸. The effects are already being felt on campuses, in student communities, and across university budgets.
International Student Enrollment Drops at UAlbany and Beyond
UAlbany, a public research university with a long history of welcoming students from around the world, is projecting a significant decrease in international student numbers for the upcoming fall semester. This decline is echoed at Union College and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), two other leading institutions in the region. According to university officials, the main causes are abrupt visa cancellations and ongoing disruptions in SEVIS, the federal database that tracks international students’ legal status.
Who is affected?
– Current international students at UAlbany and other colleges, especially those whose SEVIS records have been terminated or are at risk.
– Prospective students who are reconsidering plans to study in the United States 🇺🇸 due to uncertainty about their ability to obtain or maintain a visa.
– University administrators and faculty, who rely on international students for academic diversity and financial stability.
What is happening?
– SEVIS record terminations: In late April 2025, thousands of international students across the country saw their SEVIS records abruptly terminated, making them technically out of status and at risk of deportation.
– Temporary restorations: After legal challenges, many records were temporarily restored, but the situation remains unstable.
– New ICE policy: A new federal policy, not yet finalized but already in effect, gives Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) broad authority to terminate student status for vague reasons, such as “evidence of failure to comply” or visa revocation, often with little or no opportunity for appeal.
Where is this happening?
– The trend is most visible at UAlbany, Union College, and RPI, but similar reports are coming from colleges and universities across the United States 🇺🇸.
When did this start?
– The most recent disruptions began in late April 2025, but the decline in international student enrollment has been building for several years, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Why is this important?
– International students contribute significantly to campus life, research, and university finances. Their sudden loss affects not only the students themselves but also the broader academic community and local economies.
How are students and institutions responding?
– Students are seeking legal advice, monitoring their SEVIS status, and turning to campus support services.
– Universities are struggling to provide clear guidance and are advocating for more transparent federal policies.
SEVIS Disruptions and New ICE Policy: What Changed?
What is SEVIS?
SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, a federal database managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It tracks the legal status of international students and exchange visitors in the United States 🇺🇸. Schools must regularly update SEVIS with information about students’ enrollment, academic progress, and visa compliance.
What happened in April–May 2025?
- Abrupt SEVIS terminations: Between April 25 and 27, many students at UAlbany and other institutions found their SEVIS records suddenly terminated. This meant they were no longer legally allowed to study or remain in the country.
- Temporary restorations: After lawsuits challenged these mass terminations, the U.S. Department of Justice restored thousands of SEVIS records, but only temporarily.
- New ICE policy: In early May, court filings revealed that ICE had adopted a new policy allowing officials to terminate student status for broad or unclear reasons, including visa revocation, with limited options for appeal.
Why does this matter?
- Loss of due process: Legal experts warn that the new policy removes important protections for students, making it easier for ICE to terminate status without clear evidence or a chance for students to defend themselves.
- Increased anxiety: Many students now fear that even minor mistakes or misunderstandings could lead to sudden deportation.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes have created a climate of fear and uncertainty among international students, with many reconsidering their plans to study in the United States 🇺🇸.
UAlbany by the Numbers: Who Are the International Students?
UAlbany has long been a destination for students from around the world. Here’s a closer look at the current and recent international student population:
- Total international students: About 1,267 as of the most recent data, including 571 undergraduates.
- Graduate students: Over 1,200 international graduate students from approximately 80 countries.
- Chinese students: In 2020, there were 519 Chinese students at UAlbany, making up about 41% of the international student body. This number has been declining in recent years due to visa challenges and other factors.
- Total student body: UAlbany enrolls 17,688 students in total.
Union College, another major institution in the region, reported just over 200 international students in the 2023–24 academic year, with a noticeable shortfall expected for 2024–25. RPI has not released specific numbers but is experiencing similar trends.
Why Are International Students Important?
International students bring more than just tuition dollars. They:
- Enrich campus diversity: Students from different countries contribute unique perspectives and experiences.
- Support research and innovation: Many international students are involved in advanced research, especially at the graduate level.
- Boost local economies: International students spend money on housing, food, transportation, and other expenses, supporting local businesses.
- Strengthen global connections: Alumni often become ambassadors for U.S. institutions in their home countries.
A decline in international student enrollment can have ripple effects across the university and the surrounding community.
The Human Impact: Real Stories from Campus
For many international students, the recent SEVIS disruptions have turned their lives upside down. Some examples:
- A graduate student from India at UAlbany received an email in late April stating that her SEVIS record had been terminated. She spent days unsure if she would be forced to leave the country, missing classes and losing sleep until her status was temporarily restored.
- A Chinese undergraduate at Union College decided not to return for the fall semester, fearing that her visa might be canceled without warning.
- A group of students at RPI organized a support network to help classmates understand their rights and find legal assistance.
These stories are not unique. Across the country, international students are reporting increased anxiety, uncertainty about their future, and a sense of being unwelcome.
What Should Affected Students Do Now?
If you are an international student at UAlbany or another U.S. college, here are practical steps you should take:
- Monitor your SEVIS status:
- Log in to your SEVIS account regularly to check for any changes.
- Contact your school’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office if you notice anything unusual.
- UAlbany ISSS: albany.edu/international-student-scholar-services, email: [email protected], phone: (518) 591-8172.
- Consult legal counsel immediately if you receive notice of SEVIS termination or visa revocation.
- Immigration attorneys can help you understand your options and may be able to challenge unfair decisions.
- For legal support, you can contact Hunton Immigration and Higher Education Attorneys at [email protected].
- Document everything:
- Keep records of your visa compliance, academic progress, and all communications with university officials.
- Save copies of emails, letters, and any official notices.
- Stay in close contact with ISSS:
- Your school’s ISSS office is your main resource for guidance and support.
- Attend any information sessions or workshops they offer.
- Review official government resources:
- For authoritative information on student visas and SEVIS, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Student Visa page.
University and Legal Perspectives: What Are the Experts Saying?
University Administrators
Leaders at UAlbany and other colleges have expressed deep concern about the impact of these federal policy changes. They warn that the uncertainty is making it harder to recruit and retain international students, which could harm academic programs and campus diversity.
Legal Experts
Immigration attorneys like Charles Kuck and Elora Mukherjee describe the new ICE policy as “very bad news for foreign students.” They point out that the expanded grounds for SEVIS termination mean that even minor infractions or administrative errors could result in loss of status and possible deportation. The lack of clear guidance or due process is especially troubling.
Student Voices
Many international students say they are losing sleep over the possibility of sudden status loss. Some are considering transferring to universities in Canada 🇨🇦, the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, or Australia 🇦🇺, where visa policies are seen as more stable and predictable.
Historical Context: How Did We Get Here?
Pre-2025 Trends
UAlbany and similar institutions have long depended on international students, especially from China, for both academic and financial reasons. However, the number of international students has been declining for several years, due to:
- COVID-19 pandemic: Travel restrictions and health concerns kept many students from coming to the United States 🇺🇸.
- Geopolitical tensions: Strained relations between the United States 🇺🇸 and countries like China have made it harder for students to obtain visas.
- Restrictive immigration policies: Even before the recent SEVIS disruptions, U.S. immigration policy had become more restrictive, discouraging some students from applying.
The 2025 Policy Shift
The abrupt SEVIS terminations and the new ICE policy represent a major escalation in federal oversight and control over international student status. Many see this as part of a broader trend toward tighter immigration enforcement.
What’s Next? The Future of International Enrollment
Policy Finalization and Legal Challenges
The new ICE policy is expected to be finalized soon, but legal challenges are ongoing. Universities and student advocacy groups are pushing for clearer guidance and more transparent procedures.
Enrollment Projections
Unless federal policies stabilize and students regain confidence in the visa system, colleges expect international enrollment to continue declining. This could have long-term consequences for academic programs, research, and university finances.
Advocacy and Support
Student groups, legal organizations, and universities are working together to advocate for fairer policies and to support affected students. Ongoing lawsuits may lead to further policy adjustments or reversals.
Key Data and Trends: Summary Table
| Institution | 2023–24 Intl. Enrollment | 2025 Projected Trend | Key Issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAlbany | ~1,267 | Declining | SEVIS terminations, visa policy uncertainty |
| Union College | ~200 | Declining | Visa cancellations, fewer new admits |
| RPI | Not specified | Declining | Similar issues as above |
Where to Find Help and More Information
- UAlbany International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS):
albany.edu/international-student-scholar-services
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (518) 591-8172 UAlbany International Admissions:
albany.edu/international-admissionsUAlbany Graduate Admissions:
albany.edu/graduate/admissions/information-international-applicantsOfficial U.S. Government Student Visa Information:
travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.htmlLegal Support:
Hunton Immigration and Higher Education Attorneys: [email protected]
Actionable Takeaways for Students and Institutions
- Stay informed: Regularly check your SEVIS status and university communications.
- Seek legal advice: Don’t wait if you receive any notice about your visa or SEVIS record.
- Document everything: Keep thorough records to protect yourself.
- Use campus resources: Reach out to ISSS and attend information sessions.
- Advocate for change: Join student groups or advocacy efforts to push for fairer policies.
Final Thoughts
The decline in international student enrollment at UAlbany and other colleges is a direct result of recent federal policy changes and SEVIS disruptions. The situation remains uncertain, with further developments expected in the coming months. Students and institutions should remain vigilant, seek reliable information, and support one another through these challenging times. For the latest updates and expert analysis, VisaVerge.com reports that ongoing legal and policy battles may shape the future of international education in the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
SEVIS → Student and Exchange Visitor Information System tracking international students’ legal status nationwide.
ICE → Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency enforcing visa policies and immigration regulations.
SEVIS record termination → Official cancellation of a student’s SEVIS status, risking deportation and loss of legal study status.
Visa revocation → Government action withdrawing a student’s legal authorization to study or remain in the U.S.
Due process → Legal right allowing students to challenge visa or SEVIS status terminations before removal.
This Article in a Nutshell
Starting April 2025, UAlbany reports a steep drop in international student enrollment caused by sudden SEVIS record terminations and new ICE visa policies, creating uncertainty and anxiety among students and campuses nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
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