Small college towns like Oxford, Ohio, heavily depend on international students for their economic vitality, with Miami University hosting over 3,000 international students in 2019, mainly from China, Vietnam, and India.

The international student population at Miami University in Oxford has plummeted from nearly 3,000 in 2019 to just 750 last year, significantly impacting the local economy.

International students in Oxford support local businesses, especially during winter breaks when no classes are in session, and the town's population of around 20,000 is largely composed of Miami University students.

Experts warn that the reduction in international students, driven by immigration policies and demographic shifts, could lead to the closure of small colleges and economic decline in towns that rely heavily on this international influx.

The overall trend indicates a narrowing of who belongs on American campuses, transforming vibrant college towns into quieter communities with diminished cultural and economic vitality.

The decline in international students has caused substantial economic losses for college towns, with Oxford losing roughly $140 million in tuition, housing, food, and other spending, severely affecting local businesses.

Beyond economics, international students foster cultural exchange and global awareness, and their decline threatens to erode the diversity and openness that once characterized American higher education.

Across the US, international student enrollment has dropped by 40%, with about 150,000 fewer students this fall compared to last year, due to stricter visa policies, political tensions, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pre-pandemic, tariffs on China and COVID-19 travel restrictions already caused a decrease in Chinese students choosing US institutions, impacting the US economy, which earned around $50 billion from international students in 2023.

While larger cities with diverse economies can absorb these losses, smaller towns like Oxford face severe economic and social consequences, risking hollowing out due to diminished cultural diversity and demographic shifts.

Policy changes under the Trump administration, including heightened screening and visa revocations, have fostered fear and uncertainty among prospective international students, especially from countries like Turkey, Palestine, and Iran.