The Current Political Climate and Its Effects on International Students in American Higher Education

Abstract

This paper examines the political climate in order to determine if there is a correlation between the rhetoric and policies put into place by the American government and retention and admission of internationational students. Information about the government such as President Donald Trump’s policies are examined and included as evidence. This evidence is then checked against statistics of the retention and admission of international students to determine if there is an effect of the rhetoric utilized and policies put into place. This paper will first provide historical context of international students and compare it to the modern day landscape and then provide background of the current political climate in 2018. Lastly, this paper includes the effect international students have on American higher education. It is largely suggested that the United States will remain a leader in global education and that there will not be any large decreases in international student enrollment anytime soon; however, it is still important for a universities and policy makers to make students of all races, creed, ethnicity, religion, and sexuality feel welcome despite what the American government may portray.