US colleges are experiencing a significant drop in international students this fall semester, with some universities reporting declines of up to 15%. This is attributed to stricter visa processes implemented by the Trump administration, leading to lengthy delays and many students unable to obtain visas in time. The decrease impacts not only university diversity but also the US economy, potentially resulting in billions of dollars in lost revenue and tens of thousands of job losses. While the administration has expressed mixed messages on the issue, the impact on colleges and local economies is undeniable, with other countries benefiting from the influx of students.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.