A Stop AAPI Hate survey found international students reporting heightened fear, decreased belonging and concerns about visa security under current federal policies. More than half of respondents said they felt unsafe and many limited public engagement or altered social media use out of concern for enforcement actions. At the same time, Purdue University is accused of rejecting graduate applicants from China and other so‑called “adversary” nations, drawing scrutiny from a House select committee investigating institutional practices. Critics say such unofficial screening could curtail research collaborations and strain graduate recruitment; university officials have faced questions about whether enrollment decisions reflect formal policy or informal guidance. Universities that rely on international graduate talent for research and teaching now confront a twin challenge: restoring students’ sense of safety while ensuring admissions and research policies comply with federal guidance and civil‑rights protections.