Washington: The number of international students entering the US in August saw a 19% decrease compared to the same month in the previous year, marking the largest drop outside of the pandemic period, according to The New York Times' report on Monday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the data is based on arrival records, encompassing both new and returning international students, leaving the specific figure of new arrivals unspecified. Historically, August arrivals have been a strong predictor of fall enrollment, as most international students typically arrive shortly before the commencement of the semester.

A separate federal database monitoring international students reflects a similar pattern, with total numbers this fall increasing 23% less than last year, pointing to a decline in new student arrivals, as indicated by the report.

Recent government data highlights that the US hosts approximately 1.3 million international students, the highest number globally. More than 70% of these students are from Asia, whose August arrivals dropped by 24% this year, the lowest since the pandemic.

Students from Africa, South America, and the Middle East, constituting roughly 18% of all international students in the US, also experienced declines in arrivals this year. Specifically, arrivals from Africa decreased by nearly a third, and the Middle East continued a decade-long downward trend.

The decline is attributed to factors such as delayed visa processing, travel bans affecting 19 countries, threats of deportation over pro-Palestinian speech, and more stringent visa applicant vetting implemented during the Trump administration.