Here’s a short, sweet, and spot-on analysis by David DeMaria, associate vice provost for international education, University of Maryland, Baltimore County. You can either follow this link to read the original article or read the copy/paste version below. It appeared in the 26.5.20 issue of The Conversation.

I’ve told more than one US colleague since the rise of MAGA that these arguments fall on deaf ears when those ears belong to Trump sycophants and enablers, including those who hold the reins of power. Why? They simply don’t care about facts, regardless of how compelling they may be. That’s the sad yet undeniable reality. The economic argument was routinely trotted out in the past by NAFSA, for example, to some effect but times have changed. That dog won’t hunt anymore either, at least not until the current DC regime is changed.

A resounding I AGREE to higher tuition, a weaker economy, less innovation, job losses, and less exposure to diversity. But in the shitstorm and clusterfuck that are the US federal government in general and the country’s economy in particular in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic run amok, not to mention the aftershocks of the George Floyd demonstrations and rioting, these are not priorities for most of those who roams the corridors of power. Xenophobes, many of whom are racists to varying degrees, not only do not care about diversity, they are actively opposed to it. The whites are dying out, after all. (The US will become “minority white” by 2045. That’s one phenomenon that drives the white nationalist movement.)

Regarding the last point, “Less US influence,” it’s debatable, in the view of many both within the US and beyond, whether that’s a bad thing. I know with certainty that the victims of US machinations, including manipulation, drone missile strikes, airstrikes, invasions, occupations, and war won’t miss “US influence.” It has long pursued a destructive foreign policy while other countries, including China, have pursued one that is primarily constructive. (This is not a pro-China statement simply a reflection of reality.)

The fact is “US influence” is in free fall as we speak also because of the rhetoric and actions of an unhinged president with seemingly no checks and balances, not to mention another police killing of an unarmed Black man and the resulting turmoil. It’s no surprise why the hashtag #AsianCentury is so popular. It reflects reality not the dreamworld or parallel universe that Trump and his supporters inhabit. The (US) Empire was in decline long before 2016, COVID-19, and the cold-blooded police murder of George Floyd. Trump’s presence in the White House has injected the process with steroids and accelerated the train that had already left the station.

The next generation will be left with the task of cleaning up the mess and undoing all of the damage that the malignant narcissist-in-chief and his administration have done in a very long four years, god willing, in this profession and across-the-board.

Shalom (שלום), MAA

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Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer and fewer international students were coming to study in the United States.

While the number of international students who newly enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities during the 2015-2016 school year stood at more than 300,000, by the 2018-2019 school year, that number had fallen by about 10% to less than 270,000.

This trend will undoubtedly accelerate in the fall of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The American Council on Education predicts that overall international enrollment for the next academic year will decline by as much as 25%. That means there could be 220,000 fewer international students in the U.S. than the approximately 870,000 there are now.

One reason is that the U.S. has more COVID-19 cases than any other country. Other reasons include disapproval among international students regarding the U.S. response to COVID-19 compared to other nations, the ongoing suspension of the processing of U.S. visas and negative perceptions of the Trump administration’s immigration policies and rhetoric.

As an international education professional, I foresee six major ways that the expected steep decline in international enrollment will change U.S. higher education and the economy.

1. Higher tuition

International students often pay full tuition, which averages more than US$26,000 per year at public four-year institutions and $36,000 at private nonprofit four-year institutions. That matters because the tuition from foreign students provides extra funds to subsidize the costs of enrolling more students from the U.S. At public colleges and universities, the revenue generated from international enrollment also helps to make up for cuts in state funding for higher education.

One study found that for every 10% drop in state funding for higher education, international enrollment increased by 12% to 17% at public research universities from 1996 to 2012.

According to the Institute of International Education’s 2019 Open Doors Report, 872,214 international students are enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities.

As states cut budgets due to the loss of tax revenue brought on by the economic crisis caused by COVID-19, many institutions of higher education will be forced to raise tuition. While this may help college and university finances in the short term, in the long term it will make it more difficult for international students to be able to afford to study in the U.S., which in turn will make the U.S. a less attractive study destination.

2. A weaker economy

International students contribute an estimated $41 billion to the U.S. economy. However, the actual figure is surely much higher considering these students also pay various taxes to federal, state and local governments.

While a decline in international enrollment will financially hurt American colleges and universities, it will also decrease the profits of local businesses and the tax revenues of state and local governments. While college towns are likely to be the first affected, the long-term impact of fewer international students will ultimately be fewer jobs for Americans. How? Well, consider the fact that former international students founded nearly 1 out of every 4 startup companies in the U.S. individually valued at $1 billion dollars or more. Fewer international students now means fewer startups later.

3. Less innovation

One of the strongest factors that influences future international scientific cooperation is having students study in different countries. This ability to collaborate across borders is critical to addressing the world’s greatest challenges, from combating climate change to eliminating COVID-19.

Additionally, economists at the World Bank estimate that a 10% increase in the number of international graduate students in the United States raises patent applications in the U.S. by 4.5% and university patent grants by 6.8%.

Worldwide, research and development is valued at nearly $2 trillion. The U.S. share of that research and development is smaller today than it was in 2000. I believe having fewer international students will only serve to make it even smaller.

4. Job losses

One analysis found that international students support 455,000 U.S. jobs.

International students who participate in Optional Practical Training – a program that allows these students to gain practical experience in their field of study by working temporarily in the U.S. – help employers fill critical positions when they are unable to locate qualified U.S. workers. This is particularly true in certain science and engineering fields. The Trump administration is looking at putting restrictions on the program, it was reported on May 24.

As international enrollment declines, U.S. employers will have a harder time filling jobs. This may lead companies to look for talent in other countries – or possibly relocate jobs abroad.

5. Less exposure to diversity

When students interact with people from cultures other than their own, it enhances their ability to think more critically. It also reduces prejudice.

Since only 10% of U.S. students study abroad prior to earning their bachelor’s degree, international students play an important role in exposing U.S. students who never go abroad to international perspectives. In essence, international students bring the world to campus and increase access to global learning for all. The result is a more globally competent workforce, which is important considering that 1 in 5 jobs in the U.S. is tied to international trade and 93% of employers value employees who can work effectively across national and cultural boundaries.

6. Less US influence

While more than 300 current and former world leaders were at one time international students in the U.S., other nations are making concerted efforts to catch up. If there are fewer students from other countries studying in the U.S., it will lessen the ability of the United States to touch the hearts and minds of future world leaders.