On Point | Podcast What the loss of international students could mean for the U.S.
Jun 11, 2025
Join John Fansmith, a leading voice in education policy from the American Council on Education, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephanie Saul as they tackle critical issues facing international students in the U.S. They discuss the legal and political challenges under the Trump administration, illustrating how these policies threaten innovation and diversity in academia. The economic implications of foreign students’ contributions to U.S. universities are explored, highlighting their value amid growing scrutiny and political tensions.
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Chris's Harvard Experience
- Chris, a graduate student at Harvard, shared pride and fear amid the Trump administration's foreign student crackdown.
- He highlighted how interaction with international peers enriches cultural understanding and leadership skills.
Economic Value of Foreign Students
- International students generate $44 billion annually and support 380,000 U.S. jobs.
- They financially subsidize programs and make education affordable for many American students.
Global Competition for Students
- Other countries are actively recruiting international students affected by U.S. policies, seeing their value.
- Losing foreign students puts the U.S. at a disadvantage in research, academics, and economic influence.
