15% CAP ON INT'L STUDENTS!

Indian Students’ “American Dream” Collapsing?

- Simple Vishwakarma

The Trump administration has told US collleges to limit international undergraduate students to 15% of their total enrollment, according to a 10-point memo shared by the White House. On the other hand, the American Council on Education (ACE), along with 53 other higher education associations, has called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to withdraw a proposed rule that would impose fixed time limits on visas for international students and scholars.

The White House is asking nine major universities to commit to President Donald Trump’s political priorities in exchange for more favourable access to federal funding. The universities were asked to sign a “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education”, which outlines the government’s vision for America’s campuses.

The compact asks schools to adopt policies on admissions, women's sports, free speech, student discipline, and college affordability. Signing the agreement would give universities priority access to federal grants and White House events, though funding would not be limited solely to signatory schools.

Key Requirements

• Cap international undergraduate enrollment at 15%, with no more than 5% from a single country.

• Limit tuition increases for US. students for five years, with the wealthiest campuses potentially offering free tuition for students pursuing “hard science programs.”

• Commit to promoting free speech and a wide range of viewpoints on campus, including reforming units that are perceived to punish or marginalise conservative ideas.