I arrived in the United States on Aug. 17, 1978, seeking education and opportunity. I paid full tuition — higher than out-of-state rates — and later, in graduate school, received support from the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research and industry grants. Over 43 years, I’ve taught more than 24,000 students and mentored 8,000 professionals from over 40 countries. I’ve witnessed firsthand how international students enrich this nation — in classrooms, labs, startups, and communities.
Recently, the U.S. government revoked Harvard University’s certification to host international students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, sending a chilling message: “You are not welcome.” This action (which for now has been blocked by a judge) affects approximately 7,000 students — 27% of Harvard’s student body — forcing them to leave, transfer, or face uncertain futures. But this isn’t just their problem; it’s America’s problem.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently announced that the United States would “aggressively” revoke visas from Chinese students, including those with ties to the Chinese Communist Party or those studying in “critical fields,” and and enhance the scrutiny of future applicants.
International students drive innovation and economic growth
International students are vital to the U.S. economy and its leadership in science and technology. According to the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors 2023 report, over 1.1 million international students studied in the U.S. during the 2022–2023 academic year, contributing more than $50 billion to the economy and supporting over 378,000 jobs across various sectors.
Related: Deporting international students risks making the U.S. less attractive
Their presence is even more pronounced in STEM fields. The National Foundation for American Policy reports that 70% of full-time electrical engineering and computer science graduate students are international students. These students often become entrepreneurs and innovators. Notably, 42% of the top U.S.-based AI companies had a founder who came to America as an international student.
A legacy of immigrant contributions
America’s history is replete with examples of immigrants who have propelled the nation forward. Albert Einstein, a German-born physicist, revolutionized science. Nikola Tesla, from Serbia, pioneered electrical engineering. In the tech industry, leaders like Sundar Pichai (Google), Satya Nadella (Microsoft), and Elon Musk (Tesla/SpaceX) were all born outside the U.S. Their contributions underscore the importance of welcoming global talent.
Policy decisions with far-reaching consequences
The recent actions against international students are not isolated incidents but part of a broader trend that threatens America’s position as a global leader in innovation. Restrictive visa policies and proposed budget cuts to scientific agencies signal a retreat from the values underpinning U.S. success. As noted in a South China Morning Post opinion piece, such measures risk dismantling a century of innovation.
Moreover, these policies have economic ramifications. International students often pay full tuition, which is a subsidizing cost for domestic students and supports university research. Their departure could lead to reduced program funding and diminished research output, affecting the broader economy.
Targeting international students is an un-American move
America’s strength lies in its openness to talent, curiosity, and the pursuit of knowledge. International students embody these qualities, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy, innovation, and global standing. Policies that deter them harm the individuals affected and undermine the foundations of American progress.
It’s imperative to recognize and preserve the invaluable contributions of international students. Closing the door on them is not just unwise — it’s un-American.
Editor’s note: This column has been updated to include comments from a government official about the revocation of visas for Chinese students.
Massoud Amin is the chief technology officer at Renewable Energy Partners and the chairman and president of Energy Policy & Security Associates. He is also a professor emeritus and the former director and Honeywell H.W. Sweatt Chair of technological leadership at the University of Minnesota.