Trump-era policies fuel student exodus as arrivals to the US drop 22%: Heres how America is losing its global education edge

International student arrivals to the US dropped nearly 22% this summer compared to 2024, with the steepest declines from countries affected by new visa restrictions and a travel ban under President Trump. August alone saw a 19% fall. Visa delays, policy uncertainty, and political concerns have driven students to consider alternatives such as the UK and Germany. Institutions in the US now face financial strain as international enrolment continues to decline.