HYDERABAD: Universities and colleges in the United States are going extra mile to dispel fears in minds of students and recruiters from other countries, especially India, in the wake of new executive orders and immigration reforms proposed by president Donald Trump. College representatives from different institutions are sending mails and phone messages to their authorised agents in India.

A communication from a US varsity read: “US insitutions are stronger because of those who have come from throughout the world to study, teach and work. We embrace the diversity that the students and faculty bring on our campus. We want to be clear that international students are welcome. Today our Office of International Education advised that students from the seven countries affected by President Trump's order remain in the US until immigration policy is clear. We will do everything we can to enable our students to continue their education and our faculty and staff to continue their important work.”
Nearly 10.4 lakh international students studied in different US colleges and universities in 2015-16. The income generated from tuition fees and other revenue is substantial. This is crucial in wake with the US government cutting down on grants and funds to educational institutions. Last year, China with 3.28 lakh students was at the top followed by India at 1.65 lakh. Students from Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, Iran, Turkey, Kuwait also come in good numbers.

While speculations are doing rounds about tighter rules for H-IB visas and cap on OPT (Optical Practical Training) that allows students with F-1 visas to take up jobs after their study, overseas consultant Alapati Subhaker doubted how far proposals in the Bill would finally be accepted. “International students bring in big revenues. Already varsities have registered their protest on the fresh executive order. They would be hit if new restrictions result in students shying away from admissions in US varsities," he said.