November 27, 2025: This Week in International Student News
- Carrie Circosta
- Nov 26, 2025
- 7 min read
Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 I'm spending time with my family this weekend, so I hope your holiday is also filled with good food and good company.
But I wanted to be sure to still send out the latest in international student news this week. I have to say...I thought it would be a slow week, but still...some interesting stories caught my eye:
📰 Top Headlines: Taiwan launches a pilot program allowing students to skip TOEFL for U.S. university applications, Nikki Haley's son sparks debate by calling some international students "spies" and demanding stricter visa limits, and both the U.S. and Canada are losing international students to Europe and Asia as political rhetoric and visa uncertainty drive students elsewhere.
💰 Scholarship Spotlight: University of Alabama at Birmingham offers automatic international scholarships worth $7,500/year...and the application process is extremely easy.
🆘 Interesting Find: H-1B worker laid off within a month shares his story—and an immigration lawyer breaks down four "Plan B" options for anyone facing termination during the 60-day grace period.
⚡Deep Dive – Immigration Corner: From Thanksgiving to Today—America's Immigrant Story. In honor of Thanksgiving, I thought it would be interesting to highlight the major waves of immigration that built modern America, from the 1820s to today's 50.2 million immigrants, and where international students fit into this ongoing story.
Hope you "gobble" up this week's newsletter!
Carrie at International Student Voice ⭐
Best Links for International Students
📰 TOP 3 HEADLINES FROM THE WEEK
🎓 Taiwan Tests New Path to U.S. Universities Without TOEFL
Taiwan has launched a groundbreaking pilot program that allows students to apply to four U.S. universities without submitting TOEFL scores—if they complete a required threshold of English-medium instruction (EMI) courses. The Pilot Program for TOEFL Waiver with EMI Courses, jointly launched by Taiwan's Ministry of Education and Fulbright Taiwan, is the first initiative of its kind for a non-English-speaking country. Four Taiwanese universities (National Sun Yat-sen, National Cheng Kung, National Taiwan, and National Taiwan Normal) will offer EMI instruction, while four U.S. partner schools (Arizona State, NYU, Columbia's Teachers College, and University of Maryland) will accept students through this pathway. Representatives from the U.S. universities will visit Taiwan to observe EMI classes, and eight Taiwanese students will participate in a two-week exchange in February 2026 to help assess the program's effectiveness. If successful, the program will officially launch in September 2026 and expand to more universities. (Focus Taiwan)
🚨 Nikki Haley's Son Claims Some International Students Are Spies, Calls for Limits
Nalin Haley, son of former South Carolina Governor and presidential candidate Nikki Haley, sparked controversy by claiming that some international students in the U.S. are spies for foreign governments and calling for stricter limits on student visas. Speaking on social media, he argued that while many international students contribute positively, the system needs tighter vetting to prevent espionage and protect national security. His comments echo broader concerns raised by some lawmakers about foreign influence on U.S. campuses, particularly regarding students from China. Critics quickly pushed back, noting that international students contribute over $40 billion annually to the U.S. economy, fill critical STEM roles, and undergo extensive background checks before receiving visas. The remarks add fuel to an already heated debate about balancing national security concerns with the economic and academic benefits of welcoming international students. (Times of India)
🌍 U.S. and Canada Lose International Students to Europe and Asia as Enrollment Drops
New data reveals that both the U.S. and Canada are losing ground in the global competition for international students, with many choosing Europe and Asia instead. A recent survey found that most U.S. universities experienced declines in international enrollment this fall, with new student numbers dropping significantly across graduate and undergraduate programs. Meanwhile, Canada's international student population has also contracted sharply following new visa restrictions and provincial caps introduced earlier this year. Students are increasingly drawn to more welcoming destinations like the UK, Germany, Australia, and emerging hubs in Asia that offer clearer pathways to post-study work, lower costs, and more stable immigration policies. The shift reflects growing concerns about visa uncertainty, political rhetoric, and affordability in North America. As traditional leaders lose market share, countries with streamlined processes and student-friendly policies are capitalizing on the opportunity to attract top global talent. (ICEF Monitor, Inside Higher Ed)
🎓 FEATURED SCHOLARSHIP
UAB International Scholarship - $7,500/Year
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is offering its International Scholarship worth $7,500 per year (renewable for four years) to first-year undergraduate students. The best part? You're automatically considered when you apply—no separate scholarship application needed. To qualify, you must be currently living outside the U.S., enrolling as a full-time, degree-seeking student, and have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA at the time of admission. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply early. Note: Students receiving governmental scholarships or other external support are not eligible. Deadlines: May 1 for August enrollment, November 1 for January enrollment. (UAB Admissions)
🔍 INTERESTING FIND
🆘 H-1B Worker Laid Off Within a Month—Here's Plan B
A 29-year-old H-1B worker shared on Reddit that he was laid off less than a month after returning to the U.S. following H-1B approval. Immigration lawyer Rahul Reddy warns that many H-1B workers assume "it won't happen to me" and emphasizes the need for a "Plan B" before a crisis hits. After termination, workers have a strict 60-day grace period. Reddy suggests four options: (1) B-2 Visitor Status for time to regroup, (2) F-1 Student Status to upskill and stay, (3) H-4 Dependent Status if spouse has H-1B (often the safest option), and (4) Returning home—now risky due to the new $100,000 H-1B fee rule. The article stresses that leaving during the grace period is no longer a risk-free choice. (Hindustan Times)
News in 1 Sentence
Two National Guard members were shot in an ambush attack just blocks from the White House by a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration program that evacuated and resettled tens of thousands of Afghans after the U.S. withdrawal from the country.
The U.S. will hike national park entrance fees for international visitors to $100 per person (plus existing fees) starting in 2026, while annual passes for non-residents will jump to over $250 compared to $80 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
An MIT panel debated whether U.S. universities are too dependent on international students, weighing financial reliance against classroom diversity and geopolitical risks.
New York University, Northeastern University, Columbia University, University of Southern California, and Arizona State University are the five most popular American universities among international students.
An Andhra Pradesh doctor died by suicide after his U.S. visa application was rejected, highlighting the mental health toll of visa uncertainty.
International students at UW-Madison are celebrating Thanksgiving by attending Friendsgiving events, exploring local traditions, and connecting with host families.
DEEP DIVE: IMMIGRATION CORNER 🛂
From Thanksgiving to Today - America's Immigrant Story
Thanksgiving is often celebrated as a time to honor the Pilgrims and early settlers—sometimes called America's "first immigrants."
Of course, this narrative is complicated and controversial, given that indigenous peoples were already here. But regardless of how we view the origins of this holiday, one thing is undeniable: immigration has shaped America for centuries.
This Thanksgiving, let's take a moment to look at the major waves of immigration that built modern America—and where international students fit into this ongoing story.
The Major Waves of Immigration
First Great Wave (1820-1880)
Over 10 million immigrants arrived during this period, predominantly from Northern and Western Europe—Ireland, Germany, and Scandinavia. Many were fleeing the Irish potato famine, political unrest, and economic hardship, seeking opportunity and stability in the United States.
Second Great Wave (1880-1920)
This was the peak era of immigration, with more than 20 million people arriving on American shores. The source countries shifted to Southern, Eastern, and Central Europe—Italy, Poland, Russia, and Austria-Hungary.
During this wave, 4 million Italians and 2 million Jews fleeing persecution made the journey to the U.S. Between 1900 and 1914, immigration reached its highest levels in American history.
Mid-Century Restrictions (1920s-1960s)
Immigration slowed dramatically in the 1920s due to restrictive national origin quotas designed to limit who could enter the country. This period of reduced immigration lasted until 1965, when the Immigration and Nationality Act removed national origin quotas and opened the door to a new era.
Modern Wave (1965-Present)
Since 1965, immigration patterns have shifted significantly. Instead of Europeans, the majority of immigrants now come from Latin America and Asia. Mexico, China, India, and the Philippines became the top source countries. Family reunification and employment-based visas emerged as the primary pathways for legal immigration.
Immigration Today
Fast forward to 2024: 50.2 million immigrants now live in the United States. That's 1 in 7 Americans, or 14.8% of the total population.
California, Texas, and Florida have the highest foreign-born populations, but immigrant communities are growing in metro areas across the country.
For international students, this matters. You're part of this ongoing story—temporary visitors who often become permanent contributors to American innovation, economy, and culture. Whether you stay for a few years or build your life here, you're writing the next chapter of America's immigrant story.
This Thanksgiving, as we reflect on gratitude and community, remember that immigration isn't just history—it's happening now. Sometimes it's bumpy, uncertain, and makes you question what you're even doing here. You took a leap of faith, like the millions before you.
You are a piece of America's story, and so many are thankful that you're here. Keep writing your story, no matter what!
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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