New Delhi: The United States, once regarded as a dream destination for Indian students pursuing higher education, is witnessing a sharp decline in student arrivals following Donald Trump’s return to office for a second term. Changing immigration policies and stricter enforcement have altered perceptions, with many Indian students now hesitant to choose US universities. As a result, the flow of Indian students to the US has dropped significantly.
According to estimates, the number of Indian students enrolled in US universities has fallen by nearly **75 per cent** this year compared to the previous year. Many students who intended to travel were unable to do so due to visa rejections and the non-availability of timely visa interview slots, leading to widespread cancellations of academic plans.
Immigration experts attribute the decline to tighter visa regulations introduced by the Trump administration as part of efforts to curb illegal immigration. Delays in visa interview appointments, enhanced social media vetting and a higher rate of visa refusals have compounded the problem. The sharpest fall was recorded between August and October last year, when Indian student numbers reportedly declined by close to **70 per cent**.
The US State Department has stated that by December 2025, around **8,000 student visas** had been cancelled, with some students reportedly asked to leave the country at short notice. At the same time, the steep increase in **H-1B visa fees** has emerged as another major deterrent. Students completing their education are now required to pay nearly **$100,000** to apply for an H-1B visa, a cost that most employers are reluctant to absorb.
With most Indian students relying on education loans and substantial personal investments to study in the US, employment prospects after graduation play a critical role in their decision-making. The growing difficulty in securing jobs and work visas has raised serious doubts among students about the viability of pursuing education in the US, further accelerating the shift away from American universities.