President Donald Trump recently defended international students, citing them as a financial necessity that keeps the US higher education system afloat. This argument stands in sharp contrast to the aggressive visa restrictions enacted by his own administration.
Speaking with Fox News, Trump warned that cutting international enrollment could “destroy our entire university and college system,” potentially forcing half of US colleges out of business. He framed the issue as a pure business decision, noting that foreign students contribute “trillions of dollars” and pay “more than double” the tuition of domestic students, thereby supporting institutions, including Historically Black Colleges (HBCUs).
However, his administration has simultaneously:
- Revoked thousands of student visas.
- Arrested or deported foreign students involved in political activism.
- Proposed the “Compact for Academic Excellence,” which would cap international undergraduate enrollment at 15% overall, with no more than 5% from any single country—a move strongly opposed by top universities.
The remarks highlight the internal tension between the administration’s nationalist immigration policies and the critical economic role international students play as a massive revenue source for American education.
“I View It As A Business”: Trump Defends Foreign Students as Vital Revenue Stream for US Colleges
In a surprising defense that cuts across his usual immigration rhetoric, President Donald Trump argued that maintaining international student enrollment is a critical business necessity for American universities.
The President strongly pushed back against suggestions that foreign student numbers should be reduced, stating, “It’s not that I want them, but I view it as a business.” He emphasized the staggering financial contribution, claiming international students inject “trillions of dollars” into the US economy and pay significantly higher tuition rates.
Trump warned that without this revenue, half of all US colleges could “go out of business,” severely impacting smaller and historically Black universities (HBCUs) that are particularly reliant on international tuition fees.
This financial defense comes amid his administration’s ongoing efforts to impose stricter controls, including temporary visa interview suspensions and the proposed Compact for Academic Excellence that would limit international undergraduate enrollment to a 15% cap.
Trump: Foreign Students Are “Good Business,” Cutting Them Would “Destroy” US Colleges
President Trump has defended international students, not on cultural grounds, but as a crucial economic lifeline for the US higher education system.
- The Argument: Trump stated that foreign students are “good for business,” pay “more than double” in tuition, and contribute “trillions of dollars” to the economy.
- The Warning: He warned that restricting enrollment could put half of all US colleges out of business, including smaller and historically Black institutions.
- The Policy Clash: These comments conflict with his administration’s actions, which include revoking thousands of visas and proposing a cap of 15% on international undergraduate enrollment.
The President’s stance reveals a tension between his immigration crackdown and the financial dependence of American universities on global tuition fees.
