How Trump’s Visa Policy Impacts Business Schools & The U.S. Economy

President Trump’s visa policy is have a major impact on MBA admissions. Look no further than Duke University’s Fuqua Business School.

Bill Boulding, dean and J.B. Fuqua professor of business administration of Fuqua Business School, says Trump’s visa policy is hurting the business school’s international applications, The Chronicle reports.

Boulding says international students are worried about the possibility of securing a job in the US post grad as H-1B visas have become increasingly difficult to acquire. Additionally, Boulding tells The Chronicle that a number of international students and their parents have raised safety concerns over studying in the US with the heightened anti-immigrant sentiment.

US Losing Its Lure?

The US is becoming a less attractive option for students to study.

According to the Graduate Management Admission Council’s recent prospective students survey, less than 50% of prospective full-time MBA students say they want to study in the US.

At Duke’s Fuqua, that reality is hitting hard. The b-school experienced a 6% drop in full-time MBA applications, most of which has been driven by a decline in international applicants, according to Financial Times.

Maintaining Student Diversity

Duke’s Fuqua is working to maintain student diversity in response to the drop in international applicants.

Boulding has already doubled the number of international events, according to The Chronicle, and says that the university is working to help international students get visa sponsorship.

“Our careers team is also doing all it can to support international students and help match them with employers who will sponsor visas if they desire to work in the United States,” Boulding tells The Chronicle.

Boulding adds that he’s made it his mission to advocate for international students’ access to business education.

“I’m a big believer in the power of business to transform the world for the better, but to do so requires developing leaders who will use business as a force for good,” he tells The Chronicle.

Sources: The Chronicle, GMAC, Financial Times