New immigration data points to a dramatic decline in the number of Indian students enrolling in U.S. universities, raising concerns among educators and policymakers.
India, long the largest source of international students in the U.S., is now seeing arrivals fall at an alarming rate, according to a recent Forbes report.
The decline is steep, with arrivals dropping by almost 50% during the critical intake months of July and August for the 2025–26 academic year.
These months are typically when most international students land in the U.S., usually within 30 days of their programs beginning.
In August 2025 alone, Indian student arrivals fell by 44.5% compared to the previous year, plunging from 74,825 to 41,540. July showed a similar pattern, with a 46.4% decline.
Such numbers suggest a deep disruption to the traditional flow of Indian students to American campuses, leaving universities worried about the future.
What’s driving this decline?
The downturn is largely being attributed to the Donald Trump-led administration’s tougher immigration policies, which many argue are discouraging international students from applying.
One key issue is uncertainty around post-graduation work opportunities. The U.S. government has proposed restrictions to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, a critical pathway that allows international graduates to work temporarily in the U.S.
A survey revealed that 54% of graduate students would not have enrolled in a U.S. university if OPT were unavailable, highlighting its importance.
The challenges don’t stop there. Proposed changes to the H-1B visa system, which favor senior employees over fresh graduates, are seen as another deterrent.
Adding to this, the Trump administration has floated a dramatic hike in H-1B visa fees, suggesting new applicants may need to pay as much as $100,000 — a massive leap from the current $215.
Earlier measures, such as suspending student visa interviews and subjecting applicants to increased social media scrutiny, have further complicated the process.
Impact on U.S. universities
Universities across the country are worried about losing a crucial pool of talent and funding. Indian students not only contribute to the diversity of campuses but also make up a significant portion of tuition revenue.
Experts warn that if current policies continue, the U.S. risks losing its long-held position as the top destination for global talent.
For the U.S. to remain competitive, experts argue, immigration rules must evolve to encourage international students rather than drive them away.
Otherwise, the growing decline in Indian enrollments could mark the beginning of a larger shift in global student flows toward more welcoming destinations like Canada, the U.K., and Australia.
