Data from Open Doors, NAFSA and independent surveys show new international student starts to the U.S. fell sharply this fall, driven by slowed visa processing and restrictive policy. Open Doors reported an overall 17% drop in new international enrollment this year; a separate NAFSA study found a 6% decline in new undergraduate and a 19% fall in new master’s enrollment among surveyed campuses. Universities cited consular delays, visa revocations and social‑media screening as the primary deterrents. Institutions report recruitment shifts to Asia and Europe, emergency budget planning and expanded online programmes as short‑term countermeasures. International enrolment losses threaten revenue streams, graduate research capacity and pipeline programs that underpin US research and workforce training.