Pressure from federal lawmakers and new immigration enforcement has chilled some U.S. campuses’ admission practices toward students from China, with reports that Purdue rescinded offers after legislative warnings. At the same time, European schools like Trinity College Dublin and ESSEC are reporting rising U.S. applicant interest as some students seek alternatives to perceived political and policy instability in the U.S. Admissions and international offices should reassess risk exposures from geopolitical policy changes, monitor compliance with federal advisories, and diversify recruitment strategies. The shifts underscore the strategic importance of international partnerships and on‑the‑ground hubs as institutions compete for global talent.