Policy Shift or Paradigm Collapse? The Colleges for the American People Act and Its Global Reverberations

Global Talent at Risk: U.S. Higher Education Faces Enrollment Crisis Amid Visa Crackdown

The United States’ long-standing reputation as a global centre for academic excellence and innovation is now under increasing scrutiny. In recent months, a series of policy decisions, particularly those aimed at tightening visa regulations, have sent ripples of concern through the international student community. Consequently, many prospective scholars are reassessing their academic and professional trajectories, with growing interest in more welcoming destinations such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

In a notable development, a Republican-backed bill introduced on 23 July 2025 seeks to further reshape the employment landscape within American higher education. The proposed legislation, titled the Colleges for the American People Act of 2025, was tabled by Representative Tom Tiffany and aims to repeal a long-standing exemption in the Immigration and Nationality Act. At present, universities and colleges are exempt from the annual H-1B visa cap when hiring international staff, thereby enabling them to bypass the highly competitive visa lottery. However, the new bill proposes the removal of this exemption, which would require all foreign nationals seeking academic employment to apply through the standard H-1B process. This process is limited to 65,000 visas annually, with an additional 20,000 slots reserved for individuals holding advanced degrees.

Representative Tiffany contended that American students invest years in earning their qualifications, only to witness lucrative university positions being awarded to foreign workers via special visa provisions. He asserted that the CAP Act would compel institutions to prioritise domestic candidates and eliminate what he described as backdoor hiring practices that disadvantage American workers. Notably, the bill would not apply retroactively, thereby allowing current H-1B visa holders employed at universities to seek extensions without being subject to the annual cap. The legislation has been co-sponsored by Representative Andrew Clyde of Georgia.

According to a report by Wisconsin Right Now, approximately 495 staff members within Wisconsin’s university system are employed under the H-1B visa programme, with their combined salaries amounting to around $43 million annually. Furthermore, for the 2026 fiscal year, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed that it had already received sufficient petitions to meet the H-1B visa cap as of the previous week. The H-1B programme continues to be a contentious issue across the political spectrum. While supporters argue that it enhances U.S. business capabilities, particularly within the technology sector, critics maintain that it undermines the domestic workforce. For instance, Senator Bernie Sanders has vocally criticised the programme, stating in a post on X earlier this year that it is not designed to attract top global talent but rather to replace well-paying American jobs with lower-wage foreign workers. He further alleged that such practices primarily benefit billionaires by enabling them to reduce labour costs.

According to USCIS data from 2019, there were just under 600,000 H-1B visa holders at the time. Additionally, GovTech has suggested that the Trump administration may introduce further reforms to the programme shortly. Meanwhile, student visas have also come under increased scrutiny. The U.S. The State Department is reportedly reviewing whether Harvard University should continue participating in the Exchange Visitor Program, citing concerns related to national security. These developments reflect a growing tension between domestic workforce protection and the United States’ commitment to global academic engagement.

Editor’s Note:

The introduction of the Colleges for the American People Act of 2025 marks an important change in U.S. immigration policy, especially for foreign nationals working in higher education. The bill proposes removing the current H-1B visa exemption for university staff, meaning that international employees would now have to go through the standard H-1B visa process. This move reflects a wider effort to tighten immigration rules and could have a significant impact on international students, particularly those from India, who form one of the largest student groups in the U.S. Indian students face significant challenges in U.S. education. In 2025, a 70% drop in student visa approvals, due to policy changes and processing delays, compounded by higher tuition, new foreign transaction taxes, and uncertainty regarding post-study work options (OPT, H-1B), makes U.S. study riskier. Unpredictable visa interview dates, slow processing, and increased rejections are causing stress, leading many to delay or cancel their plans. The lack of an H-1B exemption for academic staff negatively impacts international students, making teaching and research jobs harder to secure. U.S. universities saw an 11% drop in international student enrollment, particularly in STEM master's programs, between March 2024 and March 2025. This trend threatens the global appeal of U.S. institutions and could hinder innovation and workforce growth. Despite challenges, positive shifts are emerging. Students are exploring destinations like Canada, the UK, Germany, and Australia due to welcoming visa rules and work opportunities. U.S. universities may respond with improved support, scholarships, and student-friendly policies. Advocacy could also influence immigration law.

Skoobuzz suggests that international students must plan carefully, staying informed via official sources, maintaining accurate documents, and seeking legal advice when needed. Considering countries with reliable immigration and preparing financially for rising costs and job market uncertainty are also crucial. A flexible, informed approach can help students achieve their goals amid global changes.