The administration’s new policy is highly problematic for college campuses and the more than one million international students they serve. International students are integral to the fabric of campus communities and contribute billions to the American economy. The policy will leave lasting damage on America’s reputation as a welcoming destination for international students seeking high-quality college opportunities. Colleges and their states will be worse off as these students bypass the U.S. to pursue higher education elsewhere in the years ahead.
This rule will also needlessly present new challenges and added confusion for international students, along with state higher education leaders working to create safe, productive learning environments amid a pandemic and deep budget cuts. State higher education leaders need more resources and flexibility from Washington to effectively navigate this crisis, not unnecessary and harmful rules and regulations.
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