Trump Defends Foreign Students in U.S. Amid Visa Crackdown: ‘I Don’t Want to Cut Half and Destroy Colleges’

In a surprising shift from his earlier stance, U.S. President Donald Trump has come out in defense of international students, saying that cutting their numbers would be “financially destructive” for American universities and colleges.

Speaking to Laura Ingraham on Fox News, Trump said he opposed limiting student visas, calling foreign students essential to the nation’s education and economy.

“You don’t want to cut half of the students coming from all over the world — that would destroy our entire university and college system,” Trump said. “I actually think it’s good to have outside countries. Look, I want to be able to get along with the world.”

“Good for Business,” Says Trump

Trump described international education as a crucial economic driver, noting that foreign students pay “more than double” what American students do and collectively contribute “trillions of dollars” to the U.S. economy.

“Half of the U.S. colleges would go out of business if we were to cut that in half. I want to see our school system thrive. It’s not that I want them, but I view it as a business,” he remarked.

The president’s remarks come amid an ongoing visa crackdown and growing debate over international admissions and national security.

Why Trump Opposes Cutting International Students

When asked if reducing foreign admissions would make more room for American students, Trump disagreed, warning that smaller institutions — especially historically Black colleges and private universities — rely heavily on international tuition to stay afloat.

He added that the U.S. has “always had people coming in from China and other countries” and emphasized the importance of maintaining those ties for the sake of educational and diplomatic engagement.

Impact on Indian Students

Trump’s latest statement follows a period of uncertainty for Indian students, who make up the largest group of international enrollees in the U.S.

According to the OECD International Migration Outlook 2025, Indian enrollment in the U.S. fell 39% amid stricter visa screening and financial requirements. However, 331,602 Indian students were still admitted during the 2023–2024 academic year, reaffirming India’s position as the top source of foreign students in America.

Earlier this year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio temporarily suspended student visa interviews before reintroducing them with tighter verification processes. The administration has since increased scrutiny of financial documentation and post-study work authorizations.

What It Means for U.S. Colleges

Analysts say Trump’s remarks may reassure American universities facing enrollment dips and rising costs.
International students are known to fund graduate programs, research initiatives, and local economies — particularly in states like California, New York, and Texas.

By labeling education a “business,” Trump acknowledged the financial dependency of many U.S. institutions on international tuition, signaling a pragmatic shift from protectionist immigration rhetoric to economic realism.

The Bigger Picture

While Trump’s policies have often targeted immigration restrictions, his acknowledgment of the economic and academic value of global students suggests a recalibration ahead of the 2026 election cycle.

His message: the U.S. can remain both selective and open — safeguarding national interests while maintaining its status as the world’s leading education destination.