Leading Research Universities Report

Between March 2024 and March 2025, the total number of international students in the United States declined 11.33%.

A new report from Science is US highlights the positive economic impact of STEMM careers and the growing need for continued investment in science. 

AAU has endorsed the Keep STEM Talent Act, which would enable international students with advanced degrees in STEM from American universities to live and work in the United States after graduation.

The Trump administration has now either threatened to cancel, or has already canceled or paused, federal grants and contracts at five research universities over allegations of wrongdoing in other parts of campus life.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that the State Department has revoked the visas of more than 300 individuals – including several international students, scholars, and faculty – and was revoking more daily.

Last week, Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a department overhaul that would include firing 10,000 employees, eliminating divisions and regional offices, and centralizing departments.

Several questions remain unanswered about exactly how the administration plans dismantle ED and how it will affect the vital services that the department provides to students, their families, and schools.

AAU President Barbara R. Snyder issued statements congratulating both Kratsios and Bhattacharya on their confirmation.

The cuts are part of a broader trend across federal agencies following the Trump administration’s directives to cut costs and eliminate DEI and climate change programs, among others.

Earlier this month, AAU was proud to sponsor and participate in the National Humanities Alliance’s annual meeting and Humanities Advocacy Day, which brings together delegations from across the United States to Capitol Hill for two days to make the case for robust federal funding for the humanities.