In recent months, shifting immigration and education policies in the United States have raised understandable questions for international students and their families. Proposals such as caps on international-student enrolments and increased visa screening have led many to wonder whether studying in the US is still as accessible and as welcoming as it once was.

The reassuring answer from America’s leading universities is clear: yes. Across the Ivy League and other top-tier institutions, university leaders have not only reaffirmed that international students remain an essential part of their academic communities, but are also actively resisting any initiatives that would reduce their presence or limit diversity.

The context: Policy change, uncertainty and institutional resistance

The US government has recently proposed tighter rules around international student enrolments and increased scrutiny for F-1/J-1/M visa holders. Among these is a proposed Compact at the start of October that initially invited 9 institutions, including MIT, Brown and Dartmouth University, to restrict their international student enrolment to 15%, and limit or eliminate certain DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) programmes in exchange for preferential federal funding.

However, rather than retreating in the face of such proposals, these institutions are pushing back. 7 out of 9 universities havepublicly declined to sign the proposed compact, citing concerns that it would undermine academic freedom and institutional autonomy. Other top universities have also used this period to remind students that international talent is integral to their values.

Universities are speaking up

Harvard is one of the universities with the most aggressive pushback to Trump’s policies, with a lawsuit filed back in April over the revocation of billions of dollars in federal grants, which the court has ruled in favour of Harvard. 

In a statement released in June, Harvard president Alan Garber wrote: 

“International students and scholars make outstanding contributions inside and outside of our classrooms and laboratories, fulfilling our mission of excellence in countless ways. We will celebrate them, support them, and defend their interests as we continue to assert our Constitutional rights.”

Columbia has taken many steps to assure prospective international students apply with confidence, and first year students arrive safely and feel welcomed on campus, with immigration webinars, International Student Welcome Gathering, regularly updated immigration guidance, and has disbursed nearly $500,000 to international students facing unanticipated costs due to travel or visa issues since April. 

Columbia President Claire Shipman stated: “We understand that this moment feels tenuous, often fraught, for our international students and scholars. We are committed to providing all of the resources we can and to creating an atmosphere in which they can thrive as essential members of our community.”

MIT also has a long history of welcoming international students and are continuing to do so. President Sally Kornbluth issued a direct message following federal scrutiny of international student certification, stating: “To our international students: MIT would not be MIT without you.”

These clear messages have set the tone for the rest of the Ivy League, and for higher education across the United States.

Other Tier 1 universities have also reinstated their commitment to welcoming international students with comprehensive immigration, orientation, and career guidance available both online and in-person, making sure students coming from abroad thrive both academically and personally.

👉 Read our guide on How international students can manage risks amid changes in visa policy 

Final thoughts

For students applying from the UK, Europe, Asia, or beyond, the message from the United States’ most prestigious universities is clear:

• Top universities are resisting restrictive narratives. They are actively reaffirming their openness to global talent.
• Dedicated infrastructures are in place. Offices, mentors, and orientation programmes exist to help international students succeed.
• Universities are advocating for their students. Presidents, deans, and international offices are speaking up publicly, using their influence to protect global education.

For ambitious students worldwide, that means applying to a leading US university remains an exciting and attainable goal. The opportunities for academic growth, global community, and career development continue to be unmatched.