International Students Resilient In The Face Of Changing USA Immigration Policies

Key Points

1. Despite changing US immigration policies, only 6% of international students jn the USA surveyed in a recent study felt negatively impacted, showcasing their resilience.

2. While there's a positive outlook on post-graduation work opportunities, 42% of respondents seek better prospects after undergraduate studies, indicating a need for improved support.

3. Affordability, family expectations, and safety concerns are significant factors influencing international students' decisions to study in the USA, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues for better integration and retention.

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According to the latest survey by Terra Dotta, which surveyed 356 international students in the USA about aspects of their study, many of them expressed undaunting resilience in the face of the changing US immigration policy news.

The 356 international students studying at universities in USA for international students featured about 77% of undergraduate students. The US international student news, according to the survey, saw only 6% expressing that their decision to study in the country was “negatively impacted”. A small 28% expressed that they faced issues with their visa process.

The majority of the students interviewed hailed from China (19%) and India (17%). However, a small percentage originated from African nations, which saw the majority of application and visa issues.

There was a positive outlook towards finding good work opportunities right after post-graduation studies, however, 42% of respondents called out for better work opportunities after undergrad graduation. 28% of students also said that support to stay in the country after post graduation was also necessary. 

To improve and better cultural integration for international students in the USA, 45% of students deemed cultural activities necessary to help them integrate. Echoing along the same lines, Terra Dotta CEO, Ben Psillas said, “International students are drawn to the US for a multitude of reasons and it’s imperative that universities provide support in the search and application process, during their time at the university, as well as post-graduation efforts.”

Quote - “By adding more cross-cultural activities, enhancing the post-graduation opportunities and addressing key challenges, institutions can help stand out among current and future international students.”

Another study conducted by GradRight in May 2024 observed that students deemed cost as a big factor behind them not choosing certain courses and universities. The survey by Terra Dotta observed that to be true for students who are currently on the course too.

Affordability and financial aid eligibility was chosen by 68% of respondents as a factor that would determine their enrolment next year. 

While cost was a big factor whe it comes to this international students in USA news, another major factor that influenced student decisions was family expectations, with about 42% of respondents believing that to be a factor behind their enrolment.

While 63% of students believe that cost and affordability can influence them staying in the universities in USA for international students, only 20% are actively thinking about transferring. Something that comes as no surprise is that almost half the respondents (49%) said that crime and safety was a major concern for them before coming to the USA for their studies. However, the concern dipped when they came to the North American country with only 31% listing it as a concern.

Despite the reduction in concern, international students in the USA (47%) did report witnessing some form of discrimination on campuses.

TL;DR

survey of international students in the USA reveals their resilience despite immigration policy changes. While most feel positively about post-graduation work opportunities, many seek better support. Affordability, family expectations, and safety are key factors influencing their decisions, highlighting the need for improved integration and support services