LOSING TALENT An Economic and Foreign Policy Risk America Can't Ignore - MAY 2019 - nafsa
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
#WelcomeToSucceed LOSING TALENT An Economic and Foreign Policy Risk America Can’t Ignore MAY 2019
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” nelson mandela
#WelcomeToSucceed EXECUTIVE SUMMARY International students create jobs, drive research, enrich our classrooms, strengthen national security, and become America’s greatest foreign policy assets. Yet new international student enrollment is down dramatically across the United States. International students contributed $39 billion to our economy last year. During the 2017 – 2018 academic year, international students created or supported more than 455,000 jobs. That’s three jobs created When we discourage or turn away for every seven international students who chose to study here. international students, we lose much more than the students International education is the fifth-largest U.S. service sector export. themselves …. We lose their The most recent U.S. Department of State Open Doors® report, inventions and innovation, their published by the Institute of International Education, reported a 6.6% collaborative input and their decline in new international student enrollments; this follows a 3.3% contributions to our communities. decline in new enrollments the prior year and marks the first time In time, we will lose our centers America has seen a two-year decline. of technical excellence, which will, inevitably, migrate to places Data show that international students and scholars feel less safe and less welcome in the United States than the previous year surveyed. where every talented contributor is welcome. Ultimately, we will lose not University and industry leaders acknowledge that anti-immigrant just our status as a global leader, but rhetoric and policies contribute to a chilling effect on international the very identity that earned it. study in the United States. Competitors like Canada, China, and Australia are recruiting and Dr. Martha E. Pollack attracting more international students and scholars and benefiting president at the expense of the United States. For example, in 2014, China cornell university surpassed the United Kingdom and the United States as a top destination for international students from Africa — and it continues to draw increasing numbers of students from the African continent. SOURCES tinyurl.com/wapo-20181113-WelcomeStudents tinyurl.com/cnn-20190308-Pollack NAFSA: Association of International Educators © 2019 NAFSA. All Rights Reserved. 1
THE LOSS OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: AMERICA’S FIFTH-LARGEST SERVICES EXPORT AT RISK New international student enrollment is down 6.6%, double the decrease from the previous year. These decreases are in part due to several troubling federal policy changes that have altered the perception of the United States as a welcoming destination for international students, scholars, and researchers. It’s shortsighted to think of this Education — particularly Recent data show it would be issue solely in terms of revenue: higher education — is a major unwise to take for granted that International students and scholars American export …. When we outstanding students across the also spur American innovation provide a service that leads to globe will come to America without and growth … the United States foreigners sending money into regard to U.S. government policies. can’t afford to close the pipeline the U.S., that’s an export with of talent and tuition that supports exactly the same economic Stuart Anderson its education system and effects as when we sell soybeans globalization, business, technology drives its economic future. or coal abroad. and immigration contributing writer forbes Brook Larmer Dr. Richard Startz contributing writer professor of economics the new york times magazine university of california santa barbara Students are still studying outside their home country. 87% International respondents indicated the main reason for They’re just studying in other places. their decreased desire to study A Study Portals survey of 1,300+ international and in the United States is that they perceive the United States to American students gauged students’ thoughts be less welcoming toward after the 2016 U.S. presidential election. international students. SOURCES tinyurl.com/nytm-20190103-MostVitalExports tinyurl.com/forbes-20190306-Anderson tinyurl.com/blmbrg-20190117-ForeignSour tinyurl.com/iie-OpenDoors 2 NAFSA: Association of International Educators © 2019 NAFSA. All Rights Reserved.
#WelcomeToSucceed LEADERS AGREE THAT INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ARE AN ASSET TO AMERICA I can think of no more International students learn about the best of America by studying side‑by‑side valuable asset to our with our students from cities, towns and rural communities in the Central country than the Valley and throughout California — inspiring global interconnectedness friendship of future and making international education the perfect incubator for diplomacy. world leaders who have Furthermore, knowledge of American culture and our political and been educated here. social structures serves a diplomatic as well as educational function. Colin L. Powell Dr. Marjorie Zatz retired vice provost and dean of graduate education four-star general and sociology professor united states army university of california merced Inconsistent government action and uncertainty undermines economic growth and American competitiveness and creates anxiety for employees who follow the law. In many cases, these employees studied here and received degrees from U.S. universities, often in critical STEM fields. BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE CEOS INCLUDING Tim Cook Chuck Robbins Indra K. Nooyi ceo, apple ceo, cisco systems former ceo, pepsico SOURCES tinyurl.com/USDoS-Powell-quote tinyurl.com/diversedu-20181023-Zatz tinyurl.com/BR-CookRobbinsNooyi-quote tinyurl.com/wapo-20181213-Rampell NAFSA: Association of International Educators © 2019 NAFSA. All Rights Reserved. 3
IMPORTANCE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS TO THE U.S. ECONOMY The latest analysis by NAFSA: Optional Practical Training (OPT) Higher education has long been Association of International for international students lead to one of this nation’s greatest Educators finds that the 1,094,792 increased innovation and higher economic assets, attracting the international students studying average earnings, while not costing at U.S. colleges and universities U.S. workers their jobs. brightest and most promising contributed $39 billion and According to a 2018 report from the minds from around the world, supported more than 455,000 National Foundation for American fueling science and innovation, jobs to the U.S. economy during Policy, nearly one-quarter of the creating jobs and spreading the 2017 – 2018 academic year. founders of $1 billion U.S. start-up economic prosperity. Some of According to a 2019 report from companies first came to America as the most successful start-up the Niskanen Center, experiential international students. companies in the United States learning opportunities like had at least one immigrant founder, including Uber and U.S. International Student Enrollment Contributions SpaceX. Two of America’s most iconic software companies, BILLIONS THOUSANDS Microsoft and Google, OF DOLLARS Dollars Contributed Jobs Supported OF JOBS are led by [people from India] $45 1,200 who came to the United States $40 as graduate students. 1,100 $35 $30 800 $25 600 Ángel Cabrera $20 president $15 400 george mason university $10 200 $5 $0 0 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 SOURCES tinyurl.com/NC-OPT-Graduates-201903 tinyurl.com/NAFSA-ISCOEAI tinyurl.com/ImmigrantAndStartup tinyurl.com/iie-OpenDoors 4 NAFSA: Association of International Educators © 2019 NAFSA. All Rights Reserved.
#WelcomeToSucceed INTERNATIONAL STUDENT MOBILITY IS GROWING — BUT U.S. MARKET SHARE IS DECREASING According to Project Atlas data, since 2001, the number of NAFSA estimates the combined 10% decline of new students pursuing education outside of their home country international student enrollment — between fall 2016 has more than doubled, from 2.1 million to 5.0 million, and fall 2017 — cost the U.S. economy $5.5 billion and while the U.S. share of this globally-mobile student more than 40,000 jobs. population dropped, from 28% in 2001 to 22% in 2018. International Student Enrollment New International Student Enrollment Competitor Countries Market Share in the United States 2001 2018 New International Student Enrollment 30% 350,000 25% 300,000 250,000 20% 200,000 15% 150,000 10% 100,000 5% 50,000 0 0 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 France Germany Australia Canada China Russia USA UK SOURCES tinyurl.com/iie-CurrentInfographics tinyurl.com/iie-OpenDoors NAFSA: Association of International Educators © 2019 NAFSA. All Rights Reserved. 5
WHAT’S CAUSING THIS? Institutions continue to report that prospective international students and their families are concerned about U.S. federal policies and rhetoric on immigration, along with apprehensions of personal safety and tense race relations. Top 12 Reasons for Declining International Students Enrollment A significant proportion of Fall Fall Fall 2016 2017 2018 institutions report that the U.S. Visa application process social and political environment 34% 68% 83% or visa delays/denials (60%) and feeling unwelcome Social and political environment in the United States (48.9%) 15% 57% 60% in the United States are factors contributing to new Enroll in another country’s institutions international student declines. 19% 54% 59% (other than the United States) Colleges and universities also cite a significant increase (11%) Cost of tuition/fees at U.S. host institution 51% 55% 57% (including financial assistance issues) in concerns about physical safety in the United States, including gun Feeling unwelcome violence and civil unrest (43.6%). 49% 50% in the United States Securing a job in the United States ◆◆◆ 41% 44% after their studies Physical safety in the United States They [international students] 12% 33% 44% (e.g., gun violence, civil unrest) see the headlines and they think that they’re no longer Enroll in other U.S. institutions 39% 42% 45% wanted in the United States. Changes in foreign government-sponsored 41% 41% 42% scholarship programs (e.g., Saudi Arabia) Lawrence Schovanec president Political and/or economic problems texas tech university 22% 40% 42% in home country Stay home and enroll in their own 14% 38% 39% country’s higher education institutions Lack of sufficient institutional funding 22% 29% for recruitment and admission of international students SOURCES tinyurl.com/reut-20181112-FewerStudents tinyurl.com/iie-InternlEnrollmentsFall 6 NAFSA: Association of International Educators © 2019 NAFSA. All Rights Reserved.
#WelcomeToSucceed U.S. AT RISK OF LOSING THE BENEFITS OF TALENTED INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS The United States is in a competition for global talent. We are losing our market share of international students and scholars, while many other countries are proactively introducing national policies and marketing strategies in order to attract these talented individuals. AUSTRALIA CANADA CHINA Students can work for up to Following graduation, foreign Foreign students graduating 18 months after graduation. students can work for a time with a master’s degree or Graduates of certain period equal to the period above are immediately high‑need occupations they studied in Canada, eligible to apply for work are able to work longer, for up to a maximum of three visas within one year of up to four years. In 2018, years. Work experience that graduation. In 2008, China Australia saw an increase is considered “skilled” helps set a target of bringing half of 15% in international graduates qualify for legal a million foreign students to student enrollment. residence in Canada. In 2017, its shores by 2020; in 2017, international enrollment China is close to hitting increased by 20%. its target three years early, with a 10% increase over 2016 enrollment numbers. SOURCES tinyurl.com/AU-PostStudyWorkArrangements tinyurl.com/CA-StayPostGraduation tinyurl.com/CN-PostStudyWorkGraduates NAFSA: Association of International Educators © 2019 NAFSA. All Rights Reserved. 7
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS ARE GREAT FOR AMERICA MARZIEH AYATI IRAN YU TAKAHASHI JAPAN HIYAM AFEEF MALDIVES Case Western Reserve University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Marzieh Ayati is an award-winning and University of Colorado Boulder During her education at Embry‑Riddle computer scientist who studied at A key member of NASA’s OSIRIS-REx Aeronautical University, Afeef forged Case Western Reserve University and team, Takahashi was inspired by the lasting connections with her now researches biological data to American Mars rover missions. He U.S. peers, strengthening develop new medical treatments. She studied at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical understanding between the United currently teaches computer science University and the University States and the Maldives. After at the University of Texas Rio Grande of Colorado Boulder to gain the graduating, Captain Afeef became Valley and works with middle and skills necessary to work at NASA. the first female seaplane captain in high school students to foster their Now, his job is to safely navigate Maldivian history. development in the STEM fields. NASA spacecraft around planets and asteroids. 8 NAFSA: Association of International Educators © 2019 NAFSA. All Rights Reserved.
#WelcomeToSucceed JERMAINE RODNEY JAMAICA NANSHU LU CHINA MIRCEA HANDRU ROMANIA Western State Colorado University Harvard University Tiffin University After studying at Western State Lu is recognized as one of 35 Recruited to play soccer, Handru Colorado University, Rodney founded Innovators Under 35 by the MIT earned a BA and MBA from Tiffin Jermaine’s, a coffee shop on Main Technology Review. She used her University and today is executive Street in Gunnison, Colorado, which education from Harvard University director of a mental health and employs eight people and was to develop a cutting-edge, recovery services nonprofit in awarded Best New Business in 2017 by malleable, electronic tattoo that can northern Ohio. He is actively working the Gunnison Chamber of Commerce. monitor a patient’s cardiovascular to improve available local mental Heavily involved in community work, health in the United States. Now, she health services and to combat Ohio’s Rodney also mentors children locally is a researcher and associate professor opioid drug epidemic. and has raised over $20,000 for local of biomedical engineering at The and international charities. University of Texas at Austin. NAFSA: Association of International Educators © 2019 NAFSA. All Rights Reserved. 9
CASE STUDY BECOMING DESTINATIONS OF CHOICE International students are being actively recruited to Canada and Canada India, but not the United States. Perhaps no country has been taking more advantage of the shifts in In 2017, international international student mobility than Canada, where politicians and university enrollment in Canada leaders alike have seized on the opportunity to brand the country as a proudly increased by 20%, multicultural, welcoming destination. The country hosted 494,525 students in 2017, surpassing a national target of hosting 450,000 international students by while U.S. international 2022, five years early. Canada has comparatively friendly international student student enrollment increased policies, including expedited visa processing for certain qualifying students. just 1.5%. It also offers post‑study work visas that can last up to three years and have made it easier for international students to immigrate. While India sends the second highest number of students to U.S. colleges and universities, fewer Indians are choosing to study here. In 2014, 2015, and 2016, India enrollment from India experienced double-digit The Study in India initiative launched in April 2018 is designed to attract growth (29.4%, 24.9%, 200,000 international students to Indian university campuses by 2023. Based and 12.3%, respectively). on their academic scores, students will be offered full or partial scholarships. However, growth has Students from developed countries like the United States and Europe will be targeted for short‑term and student exchange programs. been slowing — and by 2017, grew by only 5.4%; a drop in graduate student enrollment (down 8.8%) contributed significantly to the slowdown. SOURCES tinyurl.com/EconTimes-20181202-Duttagupta tinyurl.com/InsideHE-20180702-VYHW tinyurl.com/Economist-20181218-IndiaCanada tinyurl.com/iie-OpenDoors tinyurl.com/InsideHE-20180824-Redden 10 NAFSA: Association of International Educators © 2019 NAFSA. All Rights Reserved.
#WelcomeToSucceed CASE STUDY EXERTING ITS INFLUENCE Chinese investment in Africa IN THE WORLD is strategic and forward‑facing, while the United States misses limitless opportunities China In 2014, China quietly surpassed the United Kingdom and the United States for collaboration. as a top destination for international students from Africa—and it continues to draw increasing numbers of students from the continent. The United States has traditionally viewed China as China’s place as a top destination for African international students a “source or sending” country is the product of a concerted effort. A multipronged approach actively of international students to promotes Chinese culture and language diffusion throughout Africa; supports continent‑wide, national higher education efforts; and fosters the United States. However, diverse and dynamic intergovernmental and interinstitutional efforts. China is rapidly becoming a major host country. In 2000, a newly formed Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) This is a significant shift sought to establish a framework for China to coordinate its multiple diplomatic that has occurred as China relationships with African nations. The forum includes China and, since 2017, has launched its Belt and every African nation. Road Initiative. Simultaneously, the United States’ influence on African students is receding, according to many experts. Many may be aware of the massive Chinese investment in infrastructure and jobs on the African continent. What is less known is China’s significant investment in educational scholarships and recruitment of African international students. SOURCES tinyurl.com/NAFSA-IEM-20190506 tinyurl.com/wenr-20170307-Gu NAFSA: Association of International Educators © 2019 NAFSA. All Rights Reserved. 11
WHAT CONGRESS CAN DO TO KEEP AMERICA COMPETITIVE While trends in international student enrollment are hearings, these leaders are articulating the value alarming, bipartisan consensus in Congress is growing that international students and scholars bring to our to reverse this dynamic. Members of Congress on both communities. However, policy changes must be enacted sides of the aisle agree that America becomes more to positively change course. Only then will we have a competitive by attracting the world’s best talent. Through United States where the best and brightest are truly able social media, congressional hearings, floor statements, to contribute to the economy and innovation. letters to the administration, legislation, and oversight America needs a Congress should allow Congress should support bills that national recruitment strategy international student visa applicants make us a more welcoming nation. to proactively attract to express interest in staying in We urge Congress to protect duration talented individuals. the United States after graduation. of status and practical training and make more green cards available for students who graduate from our universities. Learn more about NAFSA’s policy recommendations at nafsa.org/welcometosucceed 12 NAFSA: Association of International Educators © 2019 NAFSA. All Rights Reserved.
NAFSA: Association of International Educators 1307 New York Avenue NW . 8th Floor Washington, DC 20005-4701 202 . 737 . 3699 nafsa.org/policy © 2019 NAFSA. All Rights Reserved.
CREATE JOBS DRIVE INNOVATION ENRICH OUR CLASSROOMS INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS STRENGTHEN NATIONAL SECURITY BECOME AMERICA’S GREATEST FOREIGN POLICY ASSETS ARE GREAT FOR AMERICA For more information, visit nafsa.org/policy #WelcomeToSucceed
You can also read
