U.S. for Success urges the U.S. State Department to prioritize international student and scholars visa processing during the upcoming peak season for visa applications
On April 8, 2026, the U.S. for Success Coalition, a multi-sector effort of more than 50 organizations working to ensure that America succeeds in remaining the #1 destination for the world’s best and brightest, requested that the U.S. State Department prioritize international student and scholars visa processing during the upcoming peak season for visa applications, consistent with the approach taken by administrations of both parties in the past.
The letter notes that the United States continues to face increasing competition from other nations for global talent, urging that every qualified and vetted international student who seeks to study at one of our many academic programs be able to secure a timely visa appointment for approval in advance of their studies.
When international students choose the U.S. to study, we all win.
International students make us safer and more secure: Educating international students builds relationships with future world leaders—70 current leaders across 58 UN countries studied in the U.S.—making international education a powerful foreign policy asset. As the only group of nonimmigrants who are thoroughly vetted and closely monitored from the moment of their application through their entire academic program, we know who they are, where they are, and what they are doing.
They make us more prosperous by boosting local economies: International students contribute nearly $43 billion annually to local communities and support more than 355,000 American jobs. Their spending on food, housing, and services sustains businesses in every state. Every three international students who study here create one American job.Moreover, state and local economies across America benefit from international students.
Most importantly, international students benefit Americans. Attracting and welcoming top international students helps America stay ahead in science, technology, and innovation, rather than losing talent to other countries. Their presence helps make academic programs more affordable and accessible for American students.
Most Americans (79%) think it’s good for U.S. colleges and universities to accept international students. That includes majorities of both Republicans and Democrats, according to a Pew Research Center survey.
Americans benefit from important contributions of international graduate students to U.S. research. Their choice to study at US colleges is particularly important given 38 states are facing a domestic high school demographic decline.International students help keep these programs viable for American students.
Their presence benefits U.S. students. Even though international students make up only 6 percent of the total higher education population, their enrollment creates opportunities for American students.For every international student attending a U.S. public university, two additional domestic students are able to enroll. Most international students pay out-of-state tuition, injecting vital revenue into our colleges and universities and helping keep costs down for domestic students. They also often serve as instructors in key fields, including foreign languages and STEM.
