September 11, 2025: This Week in International Student News
- Carrie Circosta
- Sep 10
- 5 min read
Today marks the anniversary of 9/11—a day that reshaped the U.S. and its policies in lasting ways.
For international students, shifting policies still create ripple effects on education, opportunities, and day-to-day life in the US.
Here’s what we’re covering in this week’s issue:
📰 Top Headlines: New visa filing restrictions, ongoing student visa backlogs, and criticism of H-1B reforms—even from Melania Trump’s former immigration lawyer
🎓 Scholarship Spotlight: Troy University offers affordable options with dedicated scholarships for international students
🔍 Interesting Find: Why passengers of US domestic flights won’t be getting automatic compensation for delayed flights anytime soon
⚡ Deep Dive: The Hyundai Georgia raid and what it reveals about flaws in the U.S. visa system
Let's dive in.
Carrie at International Student Voice ⭐
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📰 TOP 3 HEADLINES FROM THE WEEK
🚨 US Restricts All Visa Applications to Country of Residence or Nationality
As of September 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of State implemented a new rule requiring all nonimmigrant visa applications to be filed in the applicant's country of residence or nationality, effectively ending third-country applications. This measure is part of broader immigration reforms that include eliminating visa interview waivers (requiring nearly all applicants to attend in-person interviews), introducing potential visa bonds of $5,000-$15,000 for certain countries, and implementing a new $250 "visa integrity fee" starting October 1st. The changes affect all temporary visas, including tourism, business, study programs, internships, and professional assignments, with limited exceptions for nationals from countries where the U.S. isn't conducting routine visa operations. Industry professionals fear these new costs and procedures could deter potential travelers and students, especially as the U.S. prepares to host the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. (VisasNews)
📚 International Students Still in Visa Limbo as Classes Begin
A global backlog of student visas has led to significant declines in international enrollments this fall, with some colleges reporting decreases of 15% or more among incoming international students. The primary cause is a three-week suspension of student-visa interviews in May and June so the State Department could implement social-media vetting for all international students, creating unprecedented disruption during peak application season. In India, where 59,000 student visas were issued last summer, appointments are snapped up immediately in batches of just a few hundred, while some Ghanaian students can't find interview slots until December 2026. Universities like Northeastern have pushed back start dates by a month and are offering online alternatives, but most students prefer to defer rather than give up their American educational dream. (The Chronicle of Higher Education)
⚖️ Melania Trump's Immigration Lawyer Condemns White House H-1B Visa Changes
Michael Wildes, the immigration attorney who previously represented First Lady Melania Trump, has condemned the White House's proposed changes to eliminate the H-1B lottery system in favor of wage-based selection. Wildes warns the changes would have "very negative" consequences for small businesses, rural employers, and universities, effectively shutting them out in favor of wealthy tech companies that can offer higher salaries. The proposal could also deter international students who rely on H-1B pathways after graduation, potentially driving up tuition costs for American students as universities lose international enrollment revenue. The changes would mark one of the most significant alterations to the H-1B program in decades, moving away from the current random lottery that gives all employers a fair shot at securing talent. (Newsweek)
🎓 FEATURED SCHOLARSHIP
Troy University in Troy, Alabama
Troy University offers several scholarships for international students, including the International Student Scholarships ($1,000) and Chancellor's Endowed General Scholarship ($1,000). What makes Troy especially attractive is its affordability - total annual costs are just $34,170, including tuition, room, board, and insurance, making it one of the most budget-friendly options for quality American education. We help students apply to US universities and navigate life in the US, reply to this email to learn about our services.
🔍 INTERESTING FIND
✈️ Trump's DOT Cancels Compensation for Airline Delays and Cancellations
The Trump administration has withdrawn a proposed rule that would have required airlines to compensate passengers $200-$300 for domestic flights delayed at least three hours due to airline-caused problems like maintenance or crew staffing. The Biden-era proposal, similar to protections enjoyed by passengers in the European Union, was still in the federal rule-making process when President Trump took office in January. Major airlines praised the move, having previously argued the measure would have raised ticket prices, while a trade group said it looked forward to working with the administration on its "deregulatory agenda." Passengers still retain refund rights for canceled or significantly delayed flights, and the DOT's consumer rights dashboard remains intact, but the prospect of automatic compensation for delays has been eliminated. (The Points Guy)
News in 1 Sentence
KUOW reports Seattle-area community colleges are seeing significant drops in international student enrollment, with Bellevue College down 56% and Shoreline Community College down 26% this fall, as travel bans and visa restrictions create panic among students and their families.
NBC News reports the Trump administration announced that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will hire armed special agents with arrest powers, marking a major shift for an agency previously kept separate from immigration enforcement and deportations.
USF World provides hurricane preparedness guidance for international students and scholars at the University of South Florida.
Star Tribune notes some Minnesota colleges are seeing a surprising influx in international student enrollment despite national trends.
Yahoo News Canada reports international student visas to Canada have plummeted significantly.
Business Insider Africa reports African students face mounting challenges abroad as the US and UK issue new travel compliance requirements.
DEEP DIVE: IMMIGRATION CORNER 🛂
Hyundai Georgia Raid Exposes H-1B Visa System Flaws
Last Thursday, federal agents conducted a massive raid at Hyundai's battery plant construction site in Georgia, arresting 475 workers in what one witness described as a "military operation" complete with helicopters and armored vehicles. Workers fled into a sewage pond trying to escape, while construction on the $26 billion Korean investment ground to a halt.
Most arrested workers were South Korean engineers and technicians on temporary assignment to set up advanced battery manufacturing—expertise that simply doesn't exist at scale in the US yet. However, instead of using proper H-1B work visas, companies had been relying on business visitor visas (B-1) and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which technically don't permit work activities.
So...why didn't they apply for H-1B visas?
Korean companies say the H-1B system is too expensive, slow, and restrictive for temporary technical assignments. This creates an impossible catch-22: the Trump administration wants to bring manufacturing jobs to America while simultaneously restricting access to the skilled foreign workers needed to build those factories.
The raid exposes a critical flaw in the visa system—it doesn't accommodate the reality of modern global manufacturing, where companies need to temporarily transfer specialized knowledge and skills.
It also underscores the urgent need for visa system reform that matches economic realities, allowing companies to legally bring in the expertise America needs while protecting workers' rights and maintaining proper oversight.
Yesterday, most of the South Korean workers were sent back home via a chartered flight, while some may stay in the US to fight their charges. Some workers described the scene as a "military operation."
These engineers flew across the world to share their expertise. Instead, they’ll return with stories straight out of an action movie—minus the Hollywood paycheck.
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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.