Wed Oct 08 05:26:06 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text, written from an Indian perspective:

**Summary:**

The United States saw a significant drop in student visa issuances in August 2025, a critical month for university admissions. Overall, visas were down nearly 20% compared to the previous year. India experienced the most drastic decline, with a 44.5% decrease, causing it to be overtaken by China as the leading source of international students. This drop is attributed to President Trump’s policies, including stricter vetting procedures, visa revocations based on social media activity (particularly criticism of Israel), and restrictions on applying for visas outside one’s home country. These policies, coupled with increased H-1B visa fees, are seen as detrimental to Indian students and workers. Ironically, despite earlier rhetoric, Trump is now advocating for increasing Chinese student numbers to improve relations, highlighting a shift in US priorities. Visa issuances from Muslim-majority countries, like Iran, also experienced steep drops.

**News Article:**

**US Student Visa Numbers Plummet, India Hit Hardest Under Trump’s New Policies**

**New Delhi, October 8, 2025:** The dream of studying in the United States is becoming increasingly elusive for Indian students as new figures reveal a dramatic drop in student visa issuances. Data released on Monday shows that the US issued nearly 20% fewer student visas in August compared to the same period last year, with India bearing the brunt of the decline.

A staggering 44.5% decrease in visas issued to Indian students has relegated India to second place behind China as the leading source of international students to the US, reversing a long-standing trend. The drop is attributed to policies enacted by President Donald Trump’s administration, which appear to be targeting Indian applicants.

“These numbers are deeply concerning,” said Ravi Sharma, an education counselor in Delhi. “We’re seeing a chilling effect as students reconsider the US as a viable option. The stricter vetting processes and reports of arbitrary visa revocations are creating a climate of uncertainty.”

The Trump administration’s policies include requiring stricter social media screening, a move that has led to visa revocations for students critical of Israel. Furthermore, new rules make it more difficult for Indians to apply for visas outside their home country, exacerbating existing backlogs. The recent increase in H-1B visa fees, primarily used by Indian technology professionals, adds further strain to the relationship.

“It feels like a deliberate attempt to discourage Indian talent,” said Priya Patel, a prospective student who has decided to pursue her education in the UK instead. “The message coming from the US is that we are no longer welcome.”

While India faces these hurdles, President Trump has voiced hopes for increasing the number of Chinese students in the US, a move seen by some as a strategic play to improve relations with Beijing.

The decline in student visas also extends to Muslim-majority countries, with Iran seeing an 86% drop.

The shrinking numbers raise serious questions about the future of Indo-US educational ties and the potential loss of Indian talent to other countries. Observers suggest that the Indian government may need to engage in diplomatic discussions with the US to address these concerns and ensure fair access for Indian students seeking opportunities in American universities.

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