Welcome to Dale's Digest, a curated newsletter from Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA). Below are a collection of articles from reliable sources regarding news and trends in international enrollment.
The Long-Term Impact of the Trump Administration's Attacks on Science in the United States
Since taking office in January 2025, the Trump administration has leveled unprecedented attacks on U.S. science and higher education through terminations of research grants; funding delays; changes to immigration policy; visa processing freezes; and legal actions against international students, scholars, faculty, and researchers whom the administration deems to be threats.
A number of recent stories cover the impact of these actions and how, when combined with other pressures, they threaten the future of scientific research and development in the United States.
The Washington Post and The New York Times report on how admissions to top U.S. PhD programs are down 15 percent, threatening not only to decrease discoveries and innovation in research facilities but also to narrow the talent pipeline of young researchers who could contribute to progress in U.S. science and industry in the decades ahead.
In Latitudes, Karin Fischer shares findings from a new working paper—based on a survey of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers at 2,466 labs across the United States—showing a 20 percent decline in the number of scientists who intend to remain in the United States, compared with the response before President Trump took office.
Inside Higher Ed covers the administration's recent proposal to establish political control over virtually all federal grant funding, which has received 90,000 comments since it was posted in May.
The PIE News explores efforts by the French government, universities, and other organizations in the higher education space to make France a leading destination for international researchers and scientists.
