New immigration policies are impacting international exchange students

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Experts of International Student Exchange are seeing the effects of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and enforcement. 

Experts say they are seeing a collective pause of international students applying to universities.

For Columbus State University, the amount of international students apply to the school is down 45% from last year.

Dr. Eric Spears is an expert in international student exchange. He says the uncertainty surrounding the new policies has caused prospective students to wait to commit to a program of study. 

 Spears says international studies is a big business. He says America was once the only country with international studies, but now there’s more competition. 

“A student situated in Vietnam is when you look at the data, they want to come to the United States and do an undergraduate degree, If the student is an Indian and most likely they’re going to come and do a postgraduate degree, most likely in information technology or business.” Spears explains.

He adds, “But if you’re situated in those two countries, Australia is not far away. The UK has been pretty aggressive with recruiting international students and not to mention our good neighbor to the north, Canada, which also offers degree programs in English.” 

Spears says the decline of international students could impact local economies. Spears explains that international students rent apartments, buy cars, health insurance amongst other things. 

Spears adds that most international students pay full out of state tuition. Due to these factors, he believes there can be a ripple effect in the local economy. 

Spears work with students on F-1 and J-1 visa which allow them to complete their studies and return home. However, it’s not uncommon for international students to pursue a life in America where they get a job and their employer sponsors their permanent resident worker’s permit or H-1B visa.

Spears says the president’s immigration policies and enforcement strategies international students’ decision to settle down in America may be impacted.