Immigration policies have become a decisive factor in the global competition among universities for students, faculty, and researchers. In the US, new international enrollment fell 17% year-over-year in fall 2025, with further declines expected in 2026, while the UK saw a 6% drop in 2024-2025 amid stricter visa rules. Chinese outbound students hit a decade-low of around 570,000 in 2025. Countries like Germany, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, and Singapore are positioning themselves as alternatives with more welcoming policies. According to , these shifts directly affect university finances, research output, and long-term viability as international tuition revenue declines.