The number of international students coming to study in the U.S. has declined for three straight academic years. This is significant because of the money these students bring in.

How much money are we talking about? According to Open Doors, international students added $45 billion – yes, with a “B” – to the US economy in 2018. And that’s after the declines of recent years.

What about all the money our country spends to bring these students here? While there is certainly some cost, the majority of the money – 62% – comes from international sources. 

What about the argument that they’re “taking jobs from Americans”? Fake news. In reality, NAFSA says that international students supported almost half a million jobs.

Check out this infographic to learn more about international students in the US.

If we really want America to continue to prosper, we need to fix our current image problem with international students.