U.S. colleges reported a 17% decline in new international student enrollment this year, a fall that economists estimate shaved nearly $1 billion from local economies and cost thousands of jobs in communities that rely on campus spending. The enrollment decline — from roughly 298,705 to 277,118 new international students — rippled through housing, restaurants and retail near many campuses. At the same time, a national survey from Stop AAPI Hate found international students reporting heightened fear and uncertainty under the Trump administration: a majority said they felt unsafe, many feared for their visa status and large shares reported avoiding political engagement or changing social media use. The twin shocks — lost recruitment and rising student anxiety — are already prompting colleges to expand counseling, legal and enrollment supports while reevaluating recruitment strategies abroad. Campus leaders and local officials said the combined economic and enrollment impact will influence budgets, workforce planning and services for all students in college towns.