Over the course of 4 years, Trump’s administration made it very difficult for foreign students to study in the United States. In 2017, the number of new foreign students enrolled in American colleges and universities – that is, those who only came to the U.S. for the first time – dropped in the first recorded year. Restrictive immigration policies, strained relations with foreign nationals, and travel bans all contributed to the continued decline in new enrollment in each subsequent year of Trump’s presidency.
President Joe Biden’s election marks a new day for international education. This is evident from the moves of Biden’s high-ranking officials, many of whom have lifted travel and travel restrictions imposed by Trump’s administration. In addition, Biden submitted a bill to Congress which was aimed at changing the national migration system.
Here are some major ways the United States can once again be the top choice for students from around the world during the Biden administration.
The reformation of the immigration system –
In 2019, the total number of foreign students enrolled in the United States dropped for the first time since 2005. The economic impact of international students has dropped by US $ 1.8 billion. Biden officials have expressed their commitment to reviving the national migration plan. International demand for this fall has already increased by 9% compared to last year, they wrote, proposing a renewed interest in the U.S. as a learning environment, they add. But up to this point, it is still unpredictable up to what extent President Biden will change the migration plan.
The removal of discriminatory bans
On his first day in office, Biden rescinded Trump’s so-called Islamic bans and other restrictive restrictions on travel and entry. Joe Biden’s approach to national security aims to keep the threats from entering the U.S. at bay while allowing citizen consultation efforts, such as student exchange programs, to resume. This strategy will ultimately increase the diversity of nations represented on college campuses. For example, student visas issued to Iranian citizens dropped by 59%, from 3,139 in 2016 to 1,970 in 2019.
More permanent options for graduates
Biden suggested that it would be easier for foreign students with advanced degrees in STEM fields to obtain work visas and apply for permanent residence. 25% of the billion-dollar companies had a founder who first came to the U.S. as an overseas student. STEM products and services are the focus of many of these companies, creating an average of 1,200 new jobs each.
Good news for global science
Investigators around the world concluded that the U.S. increased scientific cooperation with other countries. Lack of funding and information sharing restrictions are two of the most important barriers for international co-operation. Biden’s commitment to “leading science and truth” shows the good in colleges, universities, and companies. Biden’s administration could help restore the UN’s leadership in science and technology and attract the world’s top talent to America.
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