UCSD faces risk as Trump administration targets international students

California leads the nation in international student enrollment, hosting 12. 5% of all international students in the U. S. The Trump administration has implemented restrictions on student visas, particularly targeting Chinese students, amid political pressure and accusations of intellectual property theft. UCSD, with 8,134 international students, faces significant risks from these policies, as 3,826 of those students are from China.

In stark contrast, SDSU has only 1,068 international students, just 2. 7% of its population. The decline in international student numbers at UCSD began in 2018, influenced by state officials prioritizing resources for residents. Legislative actions in 2021 mandated cuts to international student enrollment at UCSD and other UC schools. The ongoing legal battle includes a recent decision by a federal judge blocking the Trump administration from revoking Harvard University's international student hosting capabilities.

The evolving landscape raises critical questions about the future of international education in the U. S.