The Trump administration has introduced measures that link antisemitism investigations with policies aimed at reducing international student enrolment at US universities. A recent agreement with Columbia University has revealed provisions that extend beyond antisemitism-related enforcement, including a clause that calls for a reduction in international student dependence.This approach follows a series of similar investigations and settlements initiated by the White House. According to Forbes, over 50 universities are currently under investigation, with administration officials stating they hope the Columbia agreement will become a template for future settlements.Antisemitism settlement includes immigration clauseAs reported by Forbes, the Trump administration and Columbia University signed a formal agreement on July 23. This occurred after the US government withheld over $400 million in federal research funds, accusing Columbia of insufficient action against antisemitism on campus. Under the terms of the settlement, Columbia agreed to pay $200 million to the US Treasury and $21 million into a fund connected to the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The agreement also installs a Resolution Monitor to oversee Columbia’s compliance.Page nine of the agreement includes a controversial immigration provision. It states that Columbia University must “examine its business model and take steps to decrease financial dependence on international student enrollment,” a clause that has received little public attention. Columbia leadership reportedly viewed the settlement as necessary to protect over $1 billion in future funding, Forbes noted.International students in US higher educationAccording to Forbes, international students make up around 40% of Columbia’s student population. In contrast, Brown University, which signed a similar agreement on July 30, has an international student proportion of 14% and was not required to include an immigration-related clause.Economist Mark Regets, a senior fellow at the National Foundation for American Policy, told Forbes that the policy is economically counterproductive. Regets stated that “the United States benefits economically in several ways from international students and the same is true for the universities where they enroll.”Forbes reported that US universities heavily rely on international students, particularly in graduate STEM programmes. As of the 2023–2024 academic year, 71% of full-time graduate students in computer and information sciences and 73% in electrical and computer engineering were international students.Projected economic and academic impactData cited by Forbes from a report by economist Madeline Zavodny of the University of North Florida highlights that international students support US education and innovation. The report states that without immigrants, international students, and their children, the US undergraduate student population would be nearly 5 million fewer by 2037 compared to 2022, while the graduate student population would decline by at least 1.1 million.Zavodny’s research also found that each additional 10 bachelor’s degrees awarded to international students led to 15 additional STEM degrees awarded to US students. She attributed this to universities increasing STEM-related resources, which attract both domestic and international students.Policy shifts and enforcement measuresAccording to Forbes, the Trump administration is pursuing multiple policy changes to limit international student participation. These include proposed restrictions to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT programmes, as well as planned modifications to the H-1B visa selection process that favour higher salaries, potentially disadvantaging early-career international graduates.As further reported by Forbes, discussions are underway to eliminate the “duration of status” policy, requiring international students to apply for extensions more frequently. The administration has also suspended visa interviews and hinted at visa revocations, particularly targeting Chinese students.Stephen Miller, Trump’s Deputy Chief of Staff, has reportedly played a central role in negotiating these settlement terms with universities, according to Forbes. University leaders are now reportedly in private negotiations with senior White House officials to avoid similar outcomes to that of Columbia and Harvard.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
