This is a depressing U.S. News article, but what else can many international students conclude? Since Day One, the MAGA regime, led by Stephen Miller, the power behind the Orange Throne, chief architect of the regime’s immigration crackdown, and White House deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security advisor, has been doing everything in its power to discourage international students from studying in the US. Sadly, establishment US international education has mounted little resistance to the never-ending onslaught of counterproductive policies designed to make it clear to the world that​ – officially – #YouAreNotWelcomeHere.

On the bright side, many secondary and postsecondary institutions continue to forge ahead, quietly yet persistently, by investing in digital marketing campaigns and in-person events such as large- and small-scale events in Vietnam, e.g., fairs, coffee talks, and information sessions, regardless of what’s happening in Washington, D.C. Perhaps they’re playing the long game in the hopes that the mid-term elections will have a positive impact on our profession and the people we serve, or that a new president in 2028 will begin to reverse the damage that the MAGA regime has inflicted on the country, including international students and scholars. Most importantly, the unofficial message is #YouAreStillWelcomeHere.

This is one of the reasons why Capstone Education and I remain ready and willing to help colleagues and institutions from the US recruit qualified, best-fit Vietnamese students. US consular officers in Hanoi and HCMC continue to issue F-1 (student) visas. Our upcoming fall StudyGlobal Education Fairs already have registered colleges, universities, boarding, and day schools from seven countries, including Belgium, Greece, Ireland, Lithuania, Singapore, the UK, and the US. Another reason is continued market demand.

Bonus Items

The Loyalist – The cruel world according to Stephen Miller. (10.3.25) 

A song I created about Stephen “Pee-wee German” Miller using an AI-powered, human-assisted approach: Shadow of the Wall.