August 7, 2025: This Week in International Student News
- Carrie Circosta
- Aug 7
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 24
Good morning! Apparently, we’ve entered an era where even robots are offended.
According to NPR, the term “clanker” is now considered a slur for AI—and yes, it's borrowed straight from Star Wars.
I can't speak for the droids...but I hope we can help give a voice to international students.
Top Headlines: The U.S. may require up to $15,000 in bonds for certain tourist visas—potentially affecting families visiting international students
Scholarship Feature: Shoreline Community College - New international students can apply for $500–$2,000 in scholarships—awarded on a first-come, first-served basis
Why International Students Are Political Targets...Again: Two U.S. politicians are calling to cap enrollment and ban students from specific countries—I checked to see if their reasoning made any sense.
Let's dive in!
Carrie at International Student Voice ⭐
Best Links for International Students
📰 TOP 3 HEADLINES FROM THE WEEK
💰 US Could Require Up to $15,000 Bonds for Some Tourist Visas Under Pilot Program
The Department of Homeland Security is considering a new pilot program that would require visitors from certain countries to post bonds of up to $15,000 before entering the U.S. on tourist visas. This could significantly impact international students' families who want to visit for graduations, holidays, or emergencies. The program aims to ensure visitors leave when their visas expire, but critics worry it creates financial barriers that disproportionately affect lower-income families. The pilot would initially target countries with high visa overstay rates. (Reuters)
📋 State Department Updates Interview Waiver Guidelines for Visa Renewals
The U.S. State Department has issued new guidance on interview waiver eligibility for visa renewals, potentially affecting how international students renew their visas. The updated rules clarify which applicants can skip in-person interviews when renewing certain visa types, which could streamline the process for some students but may require others to attend interviews who previously didn't need to. This comes as consulates worldwide continue managing heavy appointment backlogs. (U.S. State Department)
🎓 US Economy Could Suffer $7 Billion Loss from Precipitous Drop in International Students
NAFSA: Association of International Educators warns that the U.S. economy could face a devastating $7 billion loss if international student enrollment continues its sharp decline. The organization's analysis shows that international students contribute significantly to local economies through tuition, housing, and daily expenses, supporting hundreds of thousands of American jobs. With ongoing visa processing delays, policy uncertainties, and increased competition from other countries, the U.S. risks losing its position as the top destination for international education. NAFSA emphasizes that this isn't just an education issue—it's an economic crisis that affects entire communities. (NAFSA)
🎓 FEATURED SCHOLARSHIP
Shoreline Community College International Student Scholarships
New international students applying to Shoreline Community College have two options for scholarships: apply for a $500 scholarship with a short, basic application, or submit a more comprehensive application for $1,000 or $2,000 scholarships that require additional materials. Scholarship funds are limited each quarter and awarded in the order completed applications are received, making early application crucial. (We help students apply - reply to this email for more information) (Shoreline Community College)
🔍 INTERESTING FIND
☕ Luckin Coffee Opens First US Stores in NYC
China's biggest coffee chain, Luckin Coffee—the company that beat Starbucks in China by offering super cheap drinks and quirky flavors—opened its first two US locations in New York City last month. A Business Insider reviewer tried the new NYC location and found the drinks to be surprisingly good quality for the low prices, though noted the ordering process is entirely app-based with no traditional counter service. The chain has grown massive in China by positioning itself as the affordable alternative to Starbucks' high-end approach. (Morning Brew) (Business Insider)
News in 1 Sentence
US bill may end tax break for foreign students on OPT as proposed legislation could eliminate the current FICA tax exemption, potentially increasing Social Security and Medicare tax burden for international students working in the U.S.
Columbia University launches new initiative to help international students feel at home in New York City through enhanced cultural orientation programs and community partnerships designed to improve student integration.
FBI warns international students of government impersonation scams where criminals pose as immigration officials demanding immediate payments for fake visa violations, urging students to verify all official communications independently.
International students increasingly choose UK and Dubai over US universities due to visa uncertainties and policy changes, with enrollment applications dropping significantly for American institutions as students seek more stable immigration pathways.
DEEP DIVE: IMMIGRATION CORNER 🛂
Why International Students are Political Targets...Again
This week, two prominent politicians made headlines with bold statements about international students in American universities.
Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) declared that "elite universities are spending too much time and too much of our money educating foreigners," while Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) proposed capping international student enrollment and banning students from China, Iran, and North Korea, arguing that too many foreign students are taking spots from Americans.
Umm, a vast majority of North Korean citizens are not even allowed to travel...let alone come to the U.S. to study. But let's move on...
Do These Guys Have A Legitimate Point?
We’ve seen this before—politicians making sweeping claims without much data or context. Still, I tried to keep an open mind: Is there any legitimacy to what they're saying?
I read over a Boston Globe analysis showing top US colleges provided $1 billion in grants and discounts to foreign undergraduates. For example, Columbia University provided financial aid packages averaging nearly $89,000 to international students.
Meanwhile, universities and colleges across the country have been traveling to every corner of the world, aggressively trying to attract international students...spending an estimated $84 million on agent commissions each year (these are payments made to overseas recruiters who help enroll international students). That number feels low...but either way...it's a significant investment.
And yes, those commissions and discounts often come from the university's operating budget, which is largely funded by student tuition. So you could ask: Is it fair for domestic students' tuition dollars to fund the recruitment of foreign students?
The Bigger Financial Picture
Once you look at the broader data, things come into focus:
International students make up just 6% of total U.S. higher ed enrollment
Yet they contribute $40 billion annually to the U.S. economy
They often pay more in tuition than domestic students
After the first year, universities keep 100% of that tuition
Many international students fill critical STEM roles and contribute to innovation, entrepreneurship, and U.S. competitiveness
So, no—international students aren’t draining university resources. In most cases, they’re helping fund them.
There’s also the fact that fewer Americans are going to college.
According to NPR, U.S. colleges and universities saw a 15% drop in enrollment between 2010 and 2021, largely due to declining birth rates. And that trend isn’t slowing down—NAFSA projects a steep 15% enrollment cliff between 2025 and 2029.
In other words, international students aren’t taking seats from domestic students. They’re often filling seats that would otherwise stay empty.
So...Why the Backlash?
So why are these economic arguments falling on deaf ears? As policy experts note, the economic case for international students has been overshadowed by political rhetoric.
Or to put it simply: Foreign students contribute billions of dollars to the US economy. The public doesn't seem to care.
This is the subtitle from Karin Fischer's latest article in the Chronicle on this topic.
She states there are several factors to explain the shift:
• Political polarization has extended immigration debates to educational exchanges
• Local vs. national benefits mean economic contributions of students aren't reaching all communities• Competition narrative frames international students as competitors rather than contributors • Post-pandemic uncertainties disrupted traditional international education patterns
I would also say politicians need to show results to their supporters...and international students are an easy target. "See? We're doing what we said we'd do...relection is right around the corner..."
What This Means for International Students...For Now
The political climate creates uncertainty around potential caps on student visas and university enrollment policies. Universities are already feeling pressure to limit international student admissions.
While politicians debate, the data remains clear: international students are economic contributors, not burdens. However, in today's political climate, facts alone aren't enough to shape policy.
But like I said last week...eventually the pendulum will swing back. So remain positive...steady...you just need to hold on.
SHARE THE KNOWLEDGE!
Disclaimer: International Student Voice is not an immigration attorney or immigration advisor. The purpose of this newsletter is strictly educational. Always consult with qualified legal counsel for advice specific to your situation.
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