Trump administration revokes legal status of over 1,800 international students

In recent months, the United States has seen a significant decline in international student enrollment due to an increasingly hostile immigration environment. As part of this crackdown, the State Department revoked the legal status for more than 1,800 students across over 280 colleges and universities. Notably, this situation escalated when students, including one named Onda, took legal action against their visa revocations. In Onda's specific case, the government eventually restored his legal status. The U.S. has historically been a top destination for international students, hosting more than any other country. As of late April, the heightened scrutiny also raised concerns regarding students from specific nationalities and institutions being targeted, which alongside stricter work regulations after graduation, posed a threat to the U.S.'s long-standing educational dominance. Reports have illustrated that international students play a vital role in various facets of American society, contributing to the economy and academic research, particularly in STEM fields. According to a survey conducted by FWD.us in 2021, a majority of prospective international students expressed a desire to remain in the U.S. for work if visa pathways were more accessible to them. The Trump administration's intensified immigration policies, however, have sparked fears that the U.S. might soon lose its appeal, as other countries begin to create avenues for the students affected by these crackdowns, effectively vying for their educational pursuits.