U.S. student visa denials rose to a decade high in 2025, contributing to enrollment declines that could cost Texas universities an estimated $133.2 million annually. This could also lead to a weaker pipeline of global talent supporting long-term U.S economic growth. Visa refusal rates rose from 35% to 35% in 2025. For students from Africa and South Asia, denial rates were as high as 84%. Texas is among the states with the largest projected tuition losses tied to declining international enrollment. Visa processing is strained by competing priorities, including expanded travel bans and the State Department's focus on World Cup travel. The Association of International Educators is also seeing a decrease in new international student enrollment, resulting in a $65 million economic loss.