UC Berkeley, Stanford face risk as Trump administration targets international students

California leads the nation in international student enrollment, with 12. 5% of the total U. S. population during the 2023-24 academic year. The Trump administration's recent visa policy halts interviews and revokes visas for Chinese students, posing risks to universities like UC Berkeley and Stanford.

International students contribute $6. 4 billion to California's economy, and their presence is critical to the state's educational institutions. UC Berkeley saw a staggering 42% decline in new international student enrollees last year, reflecting the adverse effects of these policies. The UC system has voiced significant concern over the visa interview pause, advocating for a swift resumption to support applicants. Stanford's president noted the long-standing value of attracting global talent, warning against turning away capable students.

Meanwhile, a federal judge has blocked the administration's attempt to revoke Harvard University's ability to host international students, indicating ongoing legal challenges. The situation underscores the tension between immigration policy and the economic and educational contributions of international students in the U. S.