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The United States substantially decreased the issuance of visas to foreign students in August following a crackdown by President Donald Trump. India remains the most affected country after the recent curtailment announced by the Trump administration.

 

According to the International Trade Commission, the United States issued 313,138 student visas in August. The data revealed that August, traditionally the starting month for US universities, saw a drop of 19.1 per cent from the same month in 2024.

 

India, in 2024, was the top source of foreign students to the United States and experienced the steepest decline, with 44.5 per cent fewer student visas issued.

 

Visa issuance also dropped for Chinese students, though not nearly at the same rate. The United States issued 86,647 visas to students from mainland China in August, more than double the number issued to Indian students.

 

The US statistics do not reflect the total number of students already based in the country, as most remain on previously issued visas.

 

Also Read : China launches K visa to attract global STEM talent

 

Since assuming office, Trump has prioritised curbing immigration and, according to his administration, weakening universities, which they regard as one of the last roadblocks to power.

 

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco briefly suspended the processing of student visas in June, a peak month, issuing orders for US embassies to vet applicants’ social media profiles.

 

Rubio has suspended visas for thousands of students, primarily due to criticism of Israel, arguing that he can refuse entry to individuals who go against US foreign policy interests.

 

Indians are particularly targeted, as Trump recently announced new regulations on H1B visas, ordering a $100,000 fee for new applicants and those who overstayed their visas, dealing a severe blow to the aspirations of thousands of students.

 

Trump, however, has expressed hope for increasing the number of Chinese students to strengthen relations between the two powers, a sharp contrast to earlier messaging from Rubio, who had vowed to “aggressively” revoke visas from Chinese students he accuses of exploiting US technical know-how.