International students add nearly 1B to Washington state's economy

The Trump administration has halted student visa interviews and revoked visas for Chinese students, impacting Washington's nearly 24,000 international college students. These students contribute about $918 million to the state's economy, according to NAFSA data. Critics argue that this federal approach undermines the U. S. 's global reputation and risks losing talent in crucial fields like artificial intelligence.

Approximately 10% of University of Washington undergraduates are international students, who pay significantly higher tuition than in-state residents. This pause on visas coincides with the administration's criticism of U. S. colleges for not addressing alleged antisemitism amid protests regarding Israel's actions in Gaza. The State Department is exploring broader vetting of student visa applicants' social media posts, raising concerns about privacy and freedom of expression.

International students play a vital role in the academic and economic landscape, and their absence may have long-term repercussions. As the political climate evolves, the implications for higher education and international collaboration are significant.