September 4, 2025: This Week in International Student News
- Carrie Circosta
- Sep 4
- 5 min read
So…obviously…I’m not a Swiftie. I misspelled Travis Kelce’s name last week.
To the die-hard fans out there, thanks for your grace. 😁
Still, sticking around is worth it…look what I’m covering this week:
Top Headlines: Trump administration proposes a 4-year status limit for international students, Trump’s sudden push to welcome 600,000 Chinese students sparks MAGA backlash, and a Columbia grad shares why she gave up on the American dream.
Scholarship Spotlight: James Madison University offers 400+ scholarships, with options for both undergrads and grads.
Immigration Corner: DHS explains why it wants to end “duration of status” — and I break it down in 5 reasons you can actually understand.
Let's dive in!
Carrie at International Student Voice ⭐
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📰 TOP 3 HEADLINES FROM THE WEEK
🚨 Trump Administration Plans Four-Year Limit on Foreign Students
The Trump administration proposed a new rule last week that would limit how long foreign students can study in the US, replacing the current "duration of status" system with fixed periods of up to four years. Foreign students with F visas currently can stay for the duration of their studies regardless of length, but the new rule would require extensions for programs longer than four years. The proposal comes as part of the administration's broader crackdown on international students, with over 6,000 student visas already revoked this year - nearly four times more than the same period last year. We'll dive deeper into what this means for current and future international students in our Immigration Corner below. (CNN)
🇨🇳 Trump's Newfound Love for Chinese Students Draws MAGA Backlash
President Trump recently announced that he plans to allow 600,000 Chinese students into US universities, marking a sharp departure from his administration's earlier crackdown on Chinese student visas launched in May. The announcement has caught his conservative base off guard, with MAGA supporters like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Laura Loomer publicly opposing the plan on social media. Trump's change of heart appears driven by economic considerations, with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick noting that 15% of US universities would go out of business without international students, and Chinese students alone contributed over $11 billion to the US economy in 2023-24. The 277,398 Chinese students currently enrolled represent 24.5% of all international students in the US. (Al Jazeera)
💔 Columbia Graduate Gives Up American Dream: "Too Painful to Stay"
Alice Lassman, who moved from Ireland to pursue her MPA at Columbia University, decided to leave the US in June 2025 after three years, citing the emotional toll of watching America "treat its most vulnerable." Despite finding work at a D.C. non-profit after her USAID job offer fell through, she chose to go to London, joining many international friends who have quietly left America without fanfare. Her story reflects broader struggles facing international students, with many of her Columbia peers still unemployed a year after graduation and forced to accept jobs far below their qualifications just to maintain visa status. (Business Insider)
🎓 FEATURED SCHOLARSHIP
James Madison University Scholarships
James Madison University offers an impressive array of scholarship opportunities for students, with over 400 different scholarships available annually. Key options include the International Recognition Award ($5,000 per year for direct applicants), the International Student Scholarship (preference given to students with financial need), and the International Peace Scholarship Fund, specifically for women pursuing graduate studies. JMU provides scholarships ranging from one to four years, with amounts varying based on merit and need. Most scholarships are processed through their Madison Scholarships Hub portal, making it easy to apply for multiple opportunities with one application. We help students apply to US universities and navigate life in the US, reply to this email to learn about our services.
🔍 INTERESTING FIND
🚨 American Kids Are Less Likely to Reach Adulthood Than Foreign Peers
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals that U.S. babies and children are nearly twice as likely to die before reaching adulthood compared with their peers in other wealthy countries. Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and UCLA compared infant and child deaths in the U.S. with 18 other high-income nations between 2007 to 2023, finding American youth were about 1.8 times more likely to die. The biggest gaps were in firearm-related incidents and car crashes for children and teens, while for babies, it was prematurity and sudden unexpected infant death. Since 2020, gun violence has been the leading cause of death for U.S. children and teens, with firearm death rates more than doubling since 2013. (Ohio Capital Journal)
News in 1 Sentence
State Department data shows F-1 student visa issuances declined 10% in fiscal year 2024 to 400,700 from 445,400 the previous year, marking a two-year slump that predates the Trump administration, though J-1 exchange visitor visas increased during the same period.
New York Times examines how international students are navigating the post-affirmative action landscape at elite universities like Princeton and Columbia.
Press Herald notes that while international student arrivals drop nationally, Maine colleges are seeing little change in their enrollment numbers.
KCUR reports Missouri colleges are experiencing a significant drop in international students as the fall semester begins, reflecting broader national trends.
Federal Register announces new regulations for modernizing payments to and from American bank accounts, potentially affecting international student financial transactions.
The PIE News reports that IDP Education has experienced revenue losses during this challenging period for international education recruitment.
MyJoyOnline covers how Ghana secured a lifeline for University of Memphis students, though a $2.2 million debt still lingers.
DEEP DIVE: IMMIGRATION CORNER 🛂
DHS Proposes 4-Year Limit on International Students...Here's Why
For years, international students have been admitted to the US for “duration of status” — meaning your stay was tied to your enrollment, not a fixed date.
DHS is now proposing a major change: replacing that system with a 4-year limit (or 2 years for some countries).
Why the shift? DHS argues the current system leaves gaps in oversight, creates opportunities for fraud, and poses national security risks. They also point to concerns with school officials and want visa timelines to better match academic programs.
I broke down the 5 key reasons behind this proposal in the infographic below.
Want the full story? Read my blog article here to understand the details and learn how you can submit a public comment before the Sept. 29, 2025 deadline.
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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.