Oklahoma News 4 (KFOR-TV) Interview with Dr. Shaan Patel

Why Banning International Students Would Hurt U.S. Colleges—and the Entire Economy
By Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert

In a bold and controversial move, the Trump administration recently attempted to revoke Harvard University’s certification to enroll new international students—a decision that, if enforced nationwide, would send shockwaves not just through elite universities, but across the entire American higher education system.

As the founder of Prep Expert, I work every day with students from all over the world who aspire to study in the United States. And I can tell you firsthand:

International students are not just numbers on a visa. They’re a vital part of what makes U.S. colleges great—and cutting them out would damage far more than just enrollment.

Let’s break down why this issue matters for students, families, universities, and the U.S. economy.

How Important Are International Students to U.S. Colleges?

International students make up about 5.5% of the U.S. college student population—but that number jumps dramatically at top-tier schools. At Harvard, they account for 27% of enrollment. At institutions like MIT, Stanford, and NYU, international students bring in not just cultural diversity but also significant financial resources.

Why does this matter?

• They pay full tuition. Many international students are not eligible for federal aid, meaning they often pay the full sticker price—subsidizing scholarships and programs for domestic students.
• They enrich the academic experience. They bring global perspectives, unique research contributions, and cross-cultural dialogue into classrooms.
• They fuel innovation. Many international students go on to work in cutting-edge research, technology, and medicine, contributing to U.S. patents, startups, and global leadership.

In short, they’re essential to keeping American higher education competitive on the world stage.

The Economic Ripple Effect: More Than Just Campus Impact

It’s easy to think this issue only affects universities. But the numbers tell a much bigger story:

• International students contribute over $40 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
• They support over 360,000 jobs across industries like housing, transportation, food services, and retail.
• Local economies—especially in college towns—depend on the spending power of foreign students and their visiting families.

If policies targeting international students spread beyond elite universities to state schools like the University of Oklahoma or Oklahoma State, the damage would extend deep into regional economies.

This isn’t just about Harvard. It’s about Main Street.

What’s Happening Now?

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the administration’s attempt to ban new international enrollments at Harvard, providing a lifeline—for now. But the legal landscape remains uncertain.

That uncertainty alone is creating real-world effects:

• International students are questioning whether to apply to U.S. schools at all.
• Families are exploring universities in Canada, the U.K., Australia, and Europe, where visa policies feel more stable.
• Test prep companies like Prep Expert are seeing shifts in demand as international students rethink their U.S. admissions plans.

These ripple effects could leave U.S. universities scrambling for years to rebuild lost trust and market share.

What Can Students and Families Do?

If you’re an international student considering applying to a U.S. college—or a U.S. family concerned about what this means for your school—here’s my advice:

1. Stay informed. Follow the legal updates closely; the current block is temporary, and policies can change rapidly.

2. Communicate with universities. Admissions offices are on high alert about these changes and can guide students through evolving visa requirements.

3. Diversify your college list. Consider adding schools in countries with strong reputations and stable immigration pathways.

4. Maximize your test prep and application strategy. With U.S. admissions becoming even more competitive, you need to present the strongest possible application.

5. Advocate for international inclusion. Whether through student groups, alumni networks, or social media, your voice matters in shaping how policies evolve.

What’s at Stake for America?

Beyond enrollment numbers, this issue raises a larger question:

What kind of country does the U.S. want to be in the global education market?

For decades, America has been the top destination for international students, offering world-class education, innovation, and opportunity. That global leadership has fueled not just academic prestige but real economic and diplomatic strength.

If we close the doors to international talent, we risk losing:

• Research breakthroughs in STEM fields.
• Cross-cultural collaborations that drive innovation.
• Global alumni networks that strengthen U.S. influence abroad.

This isn’t just about who sits in a classroom. It’s about the future workforce, the next generation of inventors, and the long-term health of the American economy.

Final Thoughts

At Prep Expert, I’ve had the privilege of helping students from over 40 countries prepare for U.S. admissions and achieve their dreams. And I can tell you this: when we invest in international students, we invest in the future of American leadership.

Blocking their access doesn’t just hurt Harvard or a few elite schools—it hurts all of us.

My hope is that policymakers, educators, and families recognize the stakes here and work toward solutions that balance security with opportunity, and policy with purpose.

Because the greatness of U.S. higher education has never come from closing doors. It’s come from opening them.

—

Dr. Shaan Patel is a Shark Tank winner, bestselling author, and founder of Prep Expert, an education company that has helped over 100,000 students improve test scores, win scholarships, and gain admission to top universities. He scored a perfect SAT and is passionate about expanding access to education worldwide.