Trump applauds foreign students as good for business but strict visa policies still continue

What did Trump say in the Interview?

• President Donald Trump argued that eliminating international students is “financially destructive” for US universities and colleges.

• He knows that a majority of the universities in the US run on the tuition fees paid by international students (as they pay double than the domestic students).

• He says, “It’s not that I want them,” however, he still considered the presence of international students as a business necessity.

The contrasting actions to Trump’s statements

Trump’s remarks appear to contrast sharply with several policy moves of his administration:

• Amidst increased scrutiny and screening, several US student visas have been delayed or revoked.

• The proposed "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education" would clearly limit inbound students by capping international undergraduate enrolments at 15% of total enrolment and no more than 5% from any one nation.

• Universities like Harvard University and faculty associations have legally challenged these restrictions, citing constitutional concerns.

Also Read:

Why do international students matter to the universities in the US?

These are the reasons why international students, especially Indian students, matter to the US universities.

Financial Impact

As said by Trump, the contribution of international students is as huge as “trillions of dollars”. As they pay the full tuition fees, the money helps the universities to subsidize the fees for domestic students and sponsor other campus activities. So, international students impact the universities a lot financially.

Diversity and Reputation

Universities that have an international student body have a high global profile, encouraging cross-cultural exchange, and research collaborations.

Workforce Pipeline

Many international students stay in the U.S. post-graduation via work options, contributing to innovation and skilled labour pools — though this is under tighter scrutiny today.

Related Reads:

What does this mean for international and Indian students?

Conclusion

A contradiction in American higher education policy is encapsulated in President Trump's statement, "I don't want foreign students in the U.S., but they're good business." The administration is enforcing policies that may restrict access to international students, despite the fact that they are directly valued for the economic benefits they provide. This changing landscape means that students, particularly those from India, must consider the U.S. as a study destination with greater complexity, risk, and strategic planning.