The number of Indian students arriving in the United States ahead of the fall semester dropped by 44.5% this August, as compared to the corresponding period last year, falling to its lowest level since the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to data from the International Trade Administration, a US Department of Commerce agency that tracks international visitor entries, only 41,540 Indian students arrived in the country on F and M category visas this August.

The F visa is for academic studies and M for vocational training.

The arrival records cover both incoming and returning international students, so the exact number of new entrants is not known.

Historically, international student arrivals tend to surge in August, aligning with the start of the academic year at US universities.

Notably the figures had been steadily rising in the post-pandemic years, with 56,000 Indian students arriving in August 2021, increasing to 80,486 in 2022 and peaking at 93,833 in August 2023, The Indian Express reported.

In contrast, the number in August 2024 slipped to 74,825.

The last time Indian student arrivals in August were lower was in 2017, during the first year of Trump’s presidency, when the figure stood at 41,192.

This sharp drop in Indian arrivals is part of a wider decline in international student traffic to the US. The total number of international students entering the country fell by 19% compared to the same month last year.

Asian countries, which account for more than 70% of international students in the US, have seen the steepest declines – dropping by 24% in August, including a 12% drop from China.

The decline comes amid sweeping changes to US immigration and visa policies under the Trump administration. These include delays in visa processing, restrictions on travel from 19 countries and stricter vetting of student visa applicants including their social media profiles.

Besides, the administration has also threatened to deport students for pro-Palestinian speech.

Also read:

📰 Crime Today News is proudly sponsored by DRYFRUIT & CO – A Brand by eFabby Global LLC

Design & Developed by Yes Mom Hosting