What Can I Study In the USA?

U.S. colleges and universities welcome global talent into their classrooms and research communities, with more than a million international students enrolled annually. However, recent news headlines and policy changes, including the revocation of a small number of student visas, have raised understandable concerns for prospective students and their families. Though these developments may grab headlines, they pose little risk to students looking to broaden their potential through United States higher education.

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This article explores what international students should know about today’s immigration climate and how it impacts their decision to pursue US opportunities. It also considers what steps to take if you are a current student looking to pursue a career path in the United States.

Understanding the Current U.S. Immigration Landscape

In 2025, concerns about student visa stability have surfaced due to policy actions taken by the presidential administration, despite earlier statements by President Trump, such as the proposal to automatically grant green cards to graduates from top U.S. colleges. Specifically, some international students—particularly those involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations—have had their F-1 visas revoked.

However, according to recent data, these cases represent a very small portion of the overall student population. For the vast majority of international students—particularly those focused on academics—there is little immediate risk of policy interference. Moreover, the Trump administration recently reinstated many of the revoked visas.

While media coverage may suggest a broader crackdown, the actions taken thus far have been narrowly focused and have not impacted standard admissions or F-1 visa approvals. In fact, over 400,000 student visas were issued last year, and there are no proposed changes to eligibility or processing for students applying through regular channels.

Also note that colleges and universities remain committed to their mission despite financial pressure from the executive branch. For example, Harvard has refused demands that would reshape its operations, admission process, hiring, faculty, and student life. While that battle remains on-going, the initial response to demands affirms the university’s elevation of its values over pressure to conform. 

Importantly, prospective students should know that the power to enact or change immigration law in the United States lies squarely with Congress, as established by the Constitution. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the authority to establish a uniform rule of naturalization, making it the primary body responsible for shaping immigration policy and altering the law. 

While the president has the power to enforce these laws through executive agencies and may issue executive orders to guide enforcement priorities, such actions cannot override or fundamentally alter statutory immigration laws passed by Congress. Thus, it’s important to remember that any significant changes to immigration policy must go through the legislative process, ensuring a system of checks and balances between the executive and legislative branches.

Pursuing a Career in the US

International students studying at U.S. colleges and universities have several pathways to remain and work in the United States after graduation, though the process can be complex and competitive. The most common route is through Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months or up to 36 months for STEM graduates, an extension that was added during the Obama administration.

OPT represents an important bridge between student life and the working world. After OPT, there are few work visa options, leading many students to seek employer sponsorship for an H-1B visa, a non-immigrant work visa subject to annual caps and a lottery system. While this route offers valuable opportunities, the high demand and limited availability of H-1B visas can make long-term employment uncertain. Just how difficult is it to secure an H-1B visa?

According to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services data, for FY 2024, of about 470,000 eligible registrations, meaning immigrants with employment sponsorship seeking H-1B visas, 135,000 were granted through the anonymous lottery system. This means that even if a recent graduate works in an eligible field, is able to prove their worth to an employer willing to sponsor them (the top filers of H-1B applications include Amazon, Apple, IBM, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Google, Cognizant, Infosys, and Ernst & Young), they still must succeed in securing a visa through the less-than one-in-four-chance system.

Yet, this 34-year-old program provides a reliable, legal pathway for skilled immigrants to live and work in the United States with an estimated 730,000 visa holders living in the U.S. at present alongside approximately 550,000 dependent visa holders.

The Immigration by Investment Option

For students and their families with access to significant financial resources, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program presents a more direct pathway to permanent residency. Under this program, individuals can obtain a green card by investing a minimum of $800,000 in a government-approved regional centre that creates or preserves at least ten full-time jobs for American workers.

The EB-5 visa can be an attractive option for those who want to remain in the U.S. long-term and have the means to make a qualifying investment. This route bypasses some of the uncertainties associated with employment-based visas, offering more stability and a direct path to a green card.

In conclusion

Sensationalised headlines undoubtedly create confusion about admission to and life at United States universities, while trusted experts like Crimson Education provide the best conduit of information through contacts on the ground and in admissions. Thus, we suggest sticking to your plan and staying up-to-date on immigration developments.

Lastly, be mindful that international students bring wonderful diversity and financial support to US universities and have done so for many, many decades. International students thus enjoy wide support as essential parts of a well-rounded campus whether Ivy League, liberal arts college, or state university.

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