U.S. colleges are facing a substantial drop in international student enrollment due to a combination of strict visa regulations and travel bans, leading to concerns about economic impact and accessibility to higher education. Reports indicate that student visa arrivals to the U.S. have plunged to a four-year low, particularly affecting students from Asia, with Indian student numbers decreasing by 45%. The implications of these declines are dire, with estimates forecasting a potential $7 billion loss to the economy and significant financial hardships for universities. Regions such as North Carolina and Ohio fear economic repercussions, with predicted losses reaching hundreds of millions. Additionally, new visa regulations and the atmosphere created by the current immigration policies are prompting many prospective students to seek education opportunities in other countries, further exacerbating the situation for U.S. institutions reliant on international enrollment.