Students from all over the world can attend university in the United States, but as visa restrictions become tighter, it is becoming harder to enter. Under the Trump Administration and through the U.S. Department of State, visa restrictions have become stricter, causing a significant decrease in international students, especially at the University of New Haven (UNH).

On Jan. 13, the U.S. Department of State posted: “The State Department has now revoked over 100,000 visas, including some 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialized visas for individuals who had encounters with U.S. law enforcement for criminal activity.”

Over the past 24 months, the university’s student body has decreased from over 9,000 students to slightly above 6,000 students. As a result of losing approximately 3,000 students, the university’s revenue has declined by more than 16%.

In a memo to students and staff, University President Jens Frederiksen said, “For an enrollment driven institution, the impact of this ‘international cliff’ simply cannot be overstated.”

Though Frederiksen said they are still discussing next steps internally, the possibility of layoffs and suspending retirement plans for staff wasn’t clearly denied.

In a later memo obtained by the Hartford Courant, it said, “As part of these continued alignment efforts, we are writing to inform you of a temporary change affecting employee benefits.

Effective immediately, the University is suspending our employer contribution to the 403(b) retirement plan until we can reevaluate our financial position and consider a level of reinstatement based on progress achieved as we transition from an institution of 9,000 students to 6,000 students.”

Frederiksen made it clear that this decision was carefully discussed and not taken lightly.

“For those of us who are enrollment driven, it is a matter of running a sustainable business,” he said.

What does this all mean for international students already here studying at the university?

Though the tightening of restrictions doesn’t have a direct effect on most international students already granted a visa, it makes them worried about the future.
International student Jessica Chaveli, a junior finance major, said, “I could very much potentially be affected after I graduate, and if I want to get a job under the H1-B visa, which costs a lot more now, because rarely do companies now want to spend so much money to sponsor a foreign worker.”

As an international student from India, Chaveli was excited to be given the opportunity to study at UNH. Her F-1 visa allows her to stay in the U.S. for the duration of her studies being four years, with a possible extension of two years to work and find a job. But this doesn’t worry Chaveli because she doesn’t see herself living in the U.S. long-term.

“I’d like to stay for a few years after graduation just to explore and see where life takes me, but in the long term, I don’t feel very welcome here with all the restrictions and the apprehension surrounding jobs and just the overall environment,” said Chaveli.
With the restrictions, the university has hosted events and programs to help aid international students.

“I did see some programs being held about understanding your visas and plans after graduation for international students,” said Chaveli.

Though this hasn’t become worrisome for Chaveli in the present, she still has after graduation to think about.

“The recent visa restrictions didn’t affect my entry into the U.S. like it is affecting thousands of students abroad right now.”