Mon Oct 06 21:04:28 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**US Student Visas Plummet, Indian Nationals See Sharpest Decline Amid Trump Policies**
Washington D.C. – The United States is experiencing a significant drop in student visa issuances, with the number declining by nearly 20% compared to the same period last year, according to data from the International Trade Commission. The sharpest decrease is seen amongst Indian students, the largest source of foreign students in the US, with a dramatic 44.5% reduction in visas issued in August.
The decline coincides with increasingly restrictive immigration policies pursued by the Trump administration, including heightened scrutiny of applicants’ social media profiles and a temporary suspension of visa processing in June. Vetting officials were instructed to look for “indications of hostility” towards the U.S.
While the drop affects students from various countries, those from Muslim-majority nations have experienced particularly steep declines. Iranian student visas, for example, plummeted by a staggering 86%.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked thousands of student visas, citing alleged violations of US law, participation in protests, or criticism of Israel. Critics argue these revocations disproportionately target students involved in pro-Palestine activism, often based on information from pro-Israel groups monitoring university students.
The administration’s messaging has been inconsistent, particularly regarding Chinese students. Despite initial vows to restrict their entry, President Trump announced plans in August to admit 600,000 Chinese students, doubling the current number studying in the US. This policy shift, however, doesn’t seem to be reflected in the overall visa issuance trends.
The long-term impact of these restrictive policies on US universities and their global appeal remains to be seen.
First Piper 