State Dept Visa Crackdown: Texas Colleges Warn Of 15% Drop In International Students, $388M Hit

NAFSA and IMPLAN project a sharp decline in international students in Texas for Fall 2025 due to suspended visa interviews, expanded social-media vetting, SEVIS disruptions and new travel restrictions. NAFSA estimates a ~15% drop (94,000 to 80,000), reducing student-driven economic activity by about $388M, while IMPLAN warns potential ~$300M GDP loss and ~2,500 jobs at risk. Advocates urge expedited processing and exemptions for F-1/M-1/J-1 to avoid broader harm to campuses and local economies.