Archive · 18 Nov 2025
US Loses $1.1B, 23K Jobs as Int'l Student Enrollments Drop; Lawmaker Urges OPT Program Reforms
The number of international students coming to the US to study has gone down for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
This means the US is losing money and jobs.
Some people think this is because of rules and visa problems from a few years ago.
At the same time, a US senator wants the government to change or stop a program that lets these students work in the US after they graduate.
The government department in charge is thinking about making new rules for this program.
US sees first decline in international student totals and new enrollments since COVID-19 pandemic
Fall 2025 enrollments dropped 17%, leading to $1.1B loss and 23,000 fewer jobs
Trump administration's immigration policies and visa issues cited as contributing factors
Senator Eric Schmitt urges DHS to revamp or end the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program
DHS proposes new rule to address fraud, national security concerns, and protect US workers
- Who
- International students, US Senator Eric Schmitt, Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- What
- Decline in international student enrollments and Senator Schmitt's call to reform the OPT program; DHS's proposed rule to amend the OPT program
- When
- Fall 2025, with Senator Schmitt's letter being a recent development
- Where
- United States
- Why
- Concerns over Trump administration's immigration policies, visa issues, and the OPT program's potential impact on American labor and national security
Arguments for OPT Program Reforms/Termination
Arguments for Maintaining and Improving OPT
Program Origin and Oversight
Arguments for OPT Program Reforms/Termination
Schmitt argues the OPT program was created and expanded by unelected bureaucrats without congressional approval, bypassing visa caps and limits.
Arguments for Maintaining and Improving OPT
DHS aims to 'better align practical training to the goals and objectives of the program,' suggesting a desire to refine, not necessarily eliminate, its existing framework.
Impact on American Workers
Arguments for OPT Program Reforms/Termination
Schmitt claims OPT acts as a pipeline for cheap labor, discriminating against American workers in favor of foreign nationals for the benefit of corporations and academic institutions.
Arguments for Maintaining and Improving OPT
DHS aims to 'protect U.S. workers from being displaced by foreign nationals,' indicating an awareness of this concern and a desire to address it within the program's structure.
Fraud and Security Concerns
Arguments for OPT Program Reforms/Termination
Schmitt implies the program's creation by executive action makes it susceptible to being overhauled or ended by similar means, hinting at systemic issues.
Arguments for Maintaining and Improving OPT
DHS's proposed rule specifically aims to 'address fraud and national security concerns,' showing a proactive approach to rectify issues within the existing program.
- Decline in New Enrollments
- 17% in Fall 2025
- Job Losses
- 23,000
- OPT Program Enrollment
- 294,253 students (Open Doors 2025 Report)
- OPT Enrollment Increase
- 21% from the prior year
