Shocking stories told at a US universities conference in San Diego described Donald Trump’s assaults on research grants, academics and students. Foreign studentsface deportationfor infractions as minor as parking or speeding tickets. A reported500 student visashave been suddenly revoked–with some students sent to deportation centres, and others told to “self-deport”. With a million foreign students warned by their universities not to travel abroad for fear of never getting back in, that’s a strong deterrent to others deciding whether to study in the US.Jo Johnson, former minster for universities, King’s College London visiting professor and chair of the Lords education committee, listening to this list of persecutions, spoke to me from San Diego. “The UK should be extending the warmest of welcomes, a safe port in a storm,” he says. Concerns about immigration numbers shouldn’t enter the calculation about attracting foreign students. “We need these highly motivated, highly educated people.” He reels off the great benefits they bring: “They are our second largest export after finance, bringing over £40bn to our economy. Our workforce needs them, with an ageing population and a falling birthrate.” If Britain turns such students away, there will be global competition for them.But the cabinet in London is tussling between conflicting objectives. Around the table, ministers have agreed immigration numbers need to come down. But agreement ends there. As a result, a white paper on immigration promised for January has been put off until “after Easter”. The conflict divides the Home Office – where, like it or not, Yvette Cooper will be judged on immigration numbers – from other departments needing migrants to meet their goals. The high housing target needs225,000 more construction workersto build homes and work on green energy projects. With131,000 vacancies, we need care workers, alongside nurses and medics. And we need the best scientists we can get to swell our life sciences and artificial intelligence ambitions. Add in chefs and hundreds more missing skills.Of course, that’s not satisfactory. As the Home Office rightly protests, we never trained our own people. Native British snobbery meant we never invested in non-university skills, with further education and apprenticeships rottenly underfunded. It’s good that the government is accelerating this now. But we are where we are. The results will take time, and growth can’t wait.Meanwhile, some universities are teetering towards bankruptcy, relying on overseas students’ fees – up to £60,000 for an MBA – to subsidise UK students. Overseas students contributed£11.8bn in feesin 2022-23, accounting for 23% of total income. University towns need their spending.Now the US is crashing in international repute, and the extraordinary fact is that at the last count in 2023,more than a quarter of the world’s countries(58) were headed by someone educated in the UK. Why would we want anything other than more of that mighty soft power? The Home Office says, of course, it wants the world’s brightest and best – but at the same time it says it wants to clamp down on feared abuses of the system.It doesn’t know how many, but some of the 10,000 people in asylum hostels who first arrived on a visa came as students, andclaimed asylumafter their degree and two permitted working years had expired. Areview last yearfor the government by the Migration Advisory Committee found that those on a graduate visa earn a similar amount and are in the same level of jobs overall as domestic graduates, many of whom are also not in “graduate jobs”.Labour is also acutely aware that52% of the public want immigration cut. Roughly38,000 asylum seekersare living in publicly funded hotels. A third of asylum claimants arrive undocumented, mostly in small boats. That’s a problem, as any state needs to assert its power to decide who comes in: loose borders feel like losing control. But don’t promise what you can’t deliver: Labour’s “smash the gangs” is barely more convincing than the Tories’ “stop the boats”.The salience of immigration fluctuates with rising and falling boat numbers: numbersrose 25% last year, and have been rising again this year. The government responds with action, increasing by 21% the number of enforced returns of those refused asylum, with38% more arrests and visitsover illegal working, often in exploitative conditions. Every government has to do all it reasonably can, but the plan to bar naturalisation for anyone who has made a dangerous journey is strongly opposed by migration experts as a useless deterrent that blights tens of thousands of people as “second-class citizens”.As anti-immigration sentiment has been falling for years, from 86% in 1979down to 52%, with 66% saying migrants havea positive impacton the economy, don’t fear voters as if they were all Faragists: treat them as grownups. The Institute for Government’swise report on Thursdaycalls for an annual migration plan “to end decades of incoherent, disconnected and unpredictable” policies around work visas to “more honestly weigh up the pros and cons of migration”. It would, it says, end the antagonistic relationship between the Home Office and other departments, and give certainty to employers and universities.Trump’s re-election to boost UK universities as fewer students choose USRead moreHonesty is the key word. Stop treating people as idiots. When asked in detail about immigration, people give sensible answers. Asked who should be admitted, they are positive about every occupation. Though in principle against the “low skilled”, theyare in favourof jobs in areas such as hospitality, farming and care work being filled.How about students? The public are in favour, by 61% with only 27% opposed,according to British Future. Since students make up 40% of total “immigrant” numbers, why not remove from the statistics all except those who eventually stay? Youth mobility for the under-30s will be part of resetting closeness to the EU, and is popular in Britain: these numbers, too, should be kept separate.The government’s white paper may threaten tighter controls on student visas, but each tightening deters some: the Tories barring students’ dependents just before the election caused a 15% fall, since students from India and Nigeria have families much younger. If growth really is the prime goal, then this is the moment to welcome more people to Britain to study, shunning the hostile US.Polly Toynbee is a Guardian columnistDo you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in ourletterssection, pleaseclick here.
Trump is pushing students towards Britain – ministers, don’t let your immigration obsession stand in the way | Polly Toynbee
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"UK Urged to Embrace Foreign Students Amid US Immigration Concerns"
The Guardian
7.0
TruthLens AI Summary
At a recent conference in San Diego, alarming reports highlighted the negative impact of Donald Trump's administration on foreign students and academics in the United States. Many foreign students are facing deportation for minor infractions, such as parking or speeding tickets, and approximately 500 student visas have been revoked, leading to some students being sent to deportation centers while others are urged to self-deport. This environment has created significant fear among foreign students, with many universities warning them not to travel abroad due to the risk of not being allowed to return. Jo Johnson, a former UK minister for universities, emphasized the need for the UK to welcome these students, pointing out the substantial economic contributions they make, which amount to over £40 billion annually. He argued that the UK should not let immigration concerns hinder its ability to attract highly educated and motivated individuals, especially given the increasing global competition for these talented students.
The UK government faces a complex situation as it grapples with immigration policies and the need for foreign talent to fulfill various roles in the economy. While there is a demand for skilled workers in sectors such as construction, healthcare, and technology, the Home Office is under pressure to reduce immigration numbers. This has led to delays in the release of a promised white paper on immigration, creating further uncertainty. Universities are increasingly reliant on international student fees, which accounted for 23% of their total income in the last academic year. Despite a growing sentiment among the public that immigration can have positive economic impacts, there remains a political challenge in balancing the need for skilled migrants with public concerns about immigration control. The call for a more coherent immigration strategy is echoed by experts, who argue for a clear annual migration plan that aligns the needs of the economy with public sentiment, ultimately advocating for a more welcoming approach towards international students to enhance the UK's global standing and economic growth.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents a critical examination of the impact of Donald Trump's immigration policies on foreign students in the United States. It highlights alarming trends that could deter international students from choosing the US for their higher education. The narrative emphasizes the potential benefits that foreign students bring to the UK, advocating for a welcoming stance despite the UK government's current fixation on reducing immigration numbers.
Concerns Over US Immigration Policies
The piece describes troubling incidents discussed at a US universities conference in San Diego, specifically mentioning the revocation of student visas and the deportation of students for minor infractions. This portrayal aims to convey a sense of urgency regarding the implications of such policies on the academic landscape and the future of higher education in the US. It suggests that the current climate may lead to a decline in the number of international students, which can have long-lasting negative effects on US universities and the economy.
UK's Opportunity Amidst US Challenges
Jo Johnson's perspective is prominently featured, emphasizing the importance of attracting highly educated foreign students to the UK. The article posits that the UK should seize this moment to position itself as a safe haven for international students, contrasting its approach with that of the US. This framing creates a narrative that the UK can benefit significantly from welcoming foreign students, who contribute substantially to the economy.
Government Dichotomy on Immigration Policy
The article outlines the internal conflict within the UK government regarding immigration. While there is a recognition of the need for skilled workers, there is also a commitment to reducing immigration numbers. This tension is illustrated through the delay of a white paper on immigration, indicating a lack of coherent strategy and priorities. It highlights the need for a balanced approach that acknowledges both immigration control and economic needs.
Potential Manipulation and Bias
The article could be seen as having a manipulative edge due to its emphasis on the negative consequences of US policies while advocating for a more welcoming UK stance. The language used may evoke a sense of urgency and fear regarding the US situation, which could be perceived as a tactic to rally support for a more open immigration policy in the UK. The selective highlighting of facts serves to reinforce a particular narrative about the benefits of foreign students.
Broader Implications for Society and Economy
The implications of this article extend to societal attitudes towards immigration and international collaboration in academia. If the UK successfully positions itself as a favorable destination for students, it could lead to a significant influx of talent. On the other hand, failure to balance immigration controls with economic needs may hinder the workforce and innovation in key sectors.
Target Audience and Support
The narrative seems to resonate with academic institutions, policymakers, and businesses that rely on skilled labor. It appeals to those who advocate for a more open approach to immigration and recognize the economic benefits of diversity in education.
Market Impact Considerations
The potential effects on the economy could lead to increased investment in educational institutions and sectors reliant on skilled labor. Stocks of companies involved in education, housing, and healthcare may see fluctuations based on shifts in immigration policy or student enrollment figures.
Global Power Dynamics
In a broader context, the article reflects ongoing tensions in global education and immigration policies. With rising competition among countries to attract talent, the UK's approach could influence its standing in the global education market. The writing style employed in the article does not explicitly suggest the use of AI, though it may have benefited from AI tools for data analysis or language refinement. However, the overall narrative and tone indicate a human-driven editorial perspective aimed at shaping public opinion. This analysis reveals that while the article raises valid concerns regarding immigration policies, it also serves a specific agenda advocating for a more favorable stance towards foreign students in the UK, thus highlighting the complex interplay between immigration, economics, and public sentiment.