A new sector survey found most U.S. institutions reported declines in international undergraduate and graduate enrollment this year, with visa restrictions and federal policy named as primary barriers. Nearly half of responding U.S. colleges registered lower undergraduate international counts; 63% saw graduate enrollments fall. At the same time, long‑run data show the percentage of first‑generation college students has dropped since the 1990s as degree attainment rose nationally—a sign of both progress and shifting access dynamics. Advocates say the international enrollment losses and demographic shifts will pressure budgets, program diversity, and campus global networks. Colleges are exploring diversification of recruiting markets, expanded online programming, and enhanced student‑support services to stabilize headcounts; policy advocates urged federal consistency on visas to restore international pipeline confidence.