Document Type
Research Report
Original Publication Date
2026
Date of Submission
April 2026
Abstract
This report examines the impact of U.S. immigration policies on higher education and international students from 2000 to 2025. It traces five major policy eras, from the post- 9/11 security overhaul and Obama-era expansion to the restrictive turns of 2017–2020 and 2025, and analyzes how shifting regulations have influenced enrollment patterns, economic contributions, and student well-being. Despite hosting more than 1.1 million international students in 2023–2024, the U.S. share of the global student market has fallen from 20% to 16%, underscoring how policy volatility and restrictive measures weaken national competitiveness. Drawing on federal data, scholarly research, and institutional reports, this analysis highlights inequities rooted in nationality, income, and academic discipline, as well as the psychological toll of prolonged uncertainty. The report concludes with equity-driven policy recommendations for federal, state, and institutional actors to restore stability, protect mental health, and reaffirm the United States’ role as a global leader in education and innovation.
Is Part Of
VCU RISE (Research Institute for Social Equity) Research
Included in
Economics Commons, Geography Commons, International and Area Studies Commons, Law Commons, Political Science Commons, Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration Commons, Sociology Commons