A new study by the Migration Policy Institute says children from immigrant families account for 58% of the growth in university enrollment since 2000, and are 28% of all university students. In some states, immigrants make up 30 to 40% of the student body. With a declining birth rate plus strong competition for international students from other countries, immigrant families are increasingly important to the financial health of American colleges and universities, reports an analysis by the New York Times.
Immigrant families recognize the value of higher education. Studies show college graduates:
• Earn $1 million more over their lifetime than those with a high school degree
• Have better overall health
• Have an overall better quality of life
• Are more civically engaged
A majority of the immigrant-origin students are U.S. citizens or legal residents. International students in the United States on student visas accounted for 5.5% of all college and university students in the 2018-19 academic year. Nearly 13 million immigrants in America have a four-year college degree or higher.
The COVID pandemic has resulted in fewer international students attending American universities in the Fall 2020 semester, which is a significant financial hit to many public and private colleges. The Trump administration restricted access to student visas at the beginning of the pandemic, and has been making it more difficult for foreign students to pass the visa application process for the past few years. The U.S. issued 17% fewer student visas, called F-1s, in 2019, and fell by 6.6% during the 2017-18 academic year – down 40% from 2015.
Student Visas
A student visa is required to study in the United States. Foreign nationals may not enroll as a student after entering the U.S. on a B visitor visa or through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), except to take a recreational study non-credit class as part of a tourist visit.
F Student Visa
F visas are non-immigrant student visas that allow foreigners to pursue grammar school, high school, college and other educational and training programs in the United States. F-1 students must maintain a full course of study.
M Student Visa
M visas are for nonacademic or vocational studies. M-1 visa holders are not allowed to work during their studies. M-1 student visa applicants must have proof that sufficient funds are available to pay all tuition and living costs for the entire period of their course and stay in the United States.
Godoy Law Firm’s business immigration attorneys can help with a wide range of healthcare professionals and employers, including hospitals, nursing homes, physicians, registered nurses, physical therapists, medical technologists, occupational therapists, nursing assistants.
• More foreign students pay full tuition than American students, which subsidizes additional space for domestic students and actually increases domestic enrollment
• Foreign students contributed $41 billion and hundreds of thousands of jobs to the American economy in 2018-2019
• International studies programs attract the best students from around the world to U.S. universities and enhance the reputation of many colleges
Learn More:
• How Do I Get a Student Visa?
It can be confusing for international students to apply for and receive their student visas in a timely manner to attend their course of study. Mario Godoy and the other experienced immigration attorneys at the Godoy Law Office can assess your situation and advise you on your best options to apply for a student visa. Call today at 855-554-6369.
Godoy Law Office serves the entire Chicago, Illinois area including DuPage, Cook, Kane, Will, and Lake Counties.
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