The number of international student arrivals in the U.S. dropped by nearly a fifth in August as American universities started the new academic year, according to federal data.

The dip is the latest sign of a hit to colleges’ international enrollment as the Trump administration ratchets up scrutiny of foreign students.

International visitors arriving to the U.S. on student visas declined 19% in August compared with the same month in 2024, according to the preliminary data released by the National Travel and Tourism Office . The numbers declined also in June and July but August is the summer month that typically sees the most international student arrivals — 313,138 this year.

As the federal government has clamped down on student visas, industry groups have warned of international enrol

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