In recent weeks, the U.S. government has taken steps that could dramatically restrict international students’ ability to pursue graduate education in America. After an attempt to revoke Harvard’s authorization to enroll international students was blocked in court, the government has now paused all new student visa interviews and is considering expanded social media vetting for applicants. These actions have thrown uncertainty into the plans of thousands of international students preparing to join U.S. MBA programs this fall.
These are not just administrative delays—they are potential deal-breakers for students who have spent years preparing for this moment. And the consequences are far-reaching: for the students themselves, for the business schools they hope to attend, and for the global competitiveness of the United States.
Eric Askins, Executive Director of Admissions at Berkeley Haas, captured the stakes in a recent statement:
“This isn’t just policy; it’s a direct blow to the dreams and aspirations of countless talented students worldwide… To actively deter these individuals is a self-inflicted wound.”
At Clear Admit, we’ve spent over two decades fostering a free, supportive online community for aspiring business school students from around the world. Our mission has always been to highlight the value of graduate management education and to help individuals find the programs best suited to their goals.
As Clear Admit co-founder Graham Richmond puts it:
“We believe deeply in the power of graduate business education to change lives—and in the strength that comes from drawing talent from across the globe. Closing America’s doors to international students doesn’t just harm those applicants; it undercuts the very principles that have made U.S. business schools world leaders: openness, innovation, and global perspective.”
The current policies risk sending a chilling message: that the United States is no longer the premier destination for ambitious, high-achieving students from across the globe. That message would be not only unwelcoming—but profoundly unwise.
Alex Brown, Clear Admit’s longtime Community Manager, has engaged with thousands of applicants over the years. He notes a growing sense of hesitation among international candidates:
“Trust is critical. When students commit to pursuing an MBA abroad, they’re uprooting their lives—personally and professionally. If visa policies become unpredictable or appear politically motivated, students begin to question whether the U.S. is a stable and reliable destination. And when that trust erodes, they will look to other markets.”
That erosion of confidence doesn’t just affect this year’s applicants—it has ripple effects for future cycles and for the perception of the U.S. as a welcoming place to learn, grow, and launch a career. The apprehension is evident in a recent survey Clear Admit conducted with international students admitted to US business schools, where 38% percent of those polled indicated they were considering deferring or declining their offers to matriculate this fall.
In fact, new data from the OpenDoors 2023/24 report underscores the scale of what’s at stake. The United States draws students from every corner of the world—but a significant share comes from a small number of key countries; when students from countries like India, China, and South Korea—which together account for over 650,000 U.S.-bound students—begin to lose confidence in the reliability of the U.S. visa process, the ripple effects can be massive. It’s not just an enrollment issue; it’s a reputational risk for American higher education.
But beyond the numbers, the presence of international students fundamentally enriches the academic experience for everyone. In MBA classrooms built around case studies, discussion, and peer learning, students from diverse national, cultural, and professional backgrounds bring new ideas and challenge assumptions. They help American classmates see global markets through different lenses and prepare all students to lead across borders.
The benefits don’t end at graduation. Many international MBA graduates go on to start companies, drive innovation, and contribute directly to the U.S. economy. Some secure work authorization and remain in the United States for years, creating jobs and advancing industries from tech to healthcare to clean energy. Others return home and become global ambassadors for American business education, strengthening cross-border ties.
Put simply: international students aren’t just participants in the system—they are part of what makes it excellent.
Higher education is also one of the United States’ most successful exports. U.S. business schools, in particular, are widely considered the best in the world, attracting top talent from every continent. That talent brings with it billions in tuition, housing, and local spending. But even more importantly, it brings global trust in an American educational product—and in the ideals of openness and opportunity that underpin it.
To undercut that trust now is not just unwise—it’s economically and diplomatically self-defeating.
Schools are doing what they can under difficult circumstances. At Harvard Business School, Managing Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid Rupal Gadhia recently wrote to admitted international students:
“As in past years, any international admitted student who is unable to start the program due to visa issues, despite having taken all reasonable and proactive steps to secure a visa, will be given an option to defer to the HBS MBA Class of 2028.”
That kind of flexibility is vital—and shows that U.S. institutions are committed to doing what they can to support students in the face of shifting federal policies. But no school—not even Harvard—can resolve this issue alone. We need the broader higher education community—faculty, alumni, university leaders, and business executives—to raise their voices. We need the government to recognize that welcoming international students is not a favor we do for others—it is one of the most strategic investments we can make in our own future.
There is still time to course-correct. The courts have pushed back. Universities are advocating for their students. And with a coordinated effort, this visa freeze can—and should—be lifted before it inflicts lasting damage.
Let’s not close the door on tomorrow’s innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Let’s reaffirm what American higher education has long stood for: excellence, opportunity, and openness to the world.
